Oudejans Interiors

LATEST & GREATEST

5/27/2017

Oudejans Interiors was on hand to see the hot and happening new products displayed at recent Design Week events in New York City. Some of our favs include the following:

Switch it up with modular mixed metal candle holders from stylish Stockholm

These clustered British pendants have exposed LED light bulbs for chic & eco-friendly lighting

Door handles from tree branches cast in brass adorn this wooden inlay bar cabinet

The company's name may be MissPrint, but their on-trend wallpaper is anything but!

Upcycled materials used on this innovative Italian flowery furniture makes it plastic fantastic!

Handcrafted, high end, contemporary coffee table with brass borders comes from Asia

Ceramic wall-mounted planter makes it easy to have a living wall in any home

A black & gold sculptural stone bowl adds a stunning statement to any tabletop

0 Comments

It may seem counterintuitive to consider new window treatments as the days lengthen and views brighten. In reality though, as the sun shines longer and stronger, it’s all the more important to consider appropriate covering options. There are plenty of ways to dress your windows attractively and adorn your living space while also protecting furnishings and controlling indoor temperatures. Here are some helpful hints on how…

Function – choose the right type of treatment throughout your home for practicality purposes. For example, oversized drapery pooling on the floor in a small condo will cause it to seem crowded, provide a trip hazard and isn’t easy to clean under. Instead, think of subtle solar shades or light, airy curtains that allow light in and create a feeling of spaciousness.

Style – since you’ve decorated your home with a certain design aesthetic, it makes sense to choose the right window treatment that compliments it. Whether selecting discrete roller blinds for a modern, minimal space or rustic wooded shutters for a Victorian cottage, ensure your dressing coordinates with other elements for a complete and cohesive look.

Tricks – window hangings can enhance a room in numerous ways. Using colour, texture and pattern will add interest or even become a focal point. Floor to ceiling panels will increase visual height by drawing the eye upwards. Sheers will brighten an area yet provide privacy, while blackout blinds will darken a bedroom and aid with sleep. Sweet dreams!

0 Comments

Mod Mexico

3/31/2017

0 Comments

A recent trip to Mexico (= a prize won for a charity donation!) prompted an extended tour of said destination. Although traditional in many aspects, the country surprised with contemporary design in unexpected places…

Balcony blues: acrylic furniture on trendy geometric tile floor

Linear landscaping: concrete planter, steel rail & planted rows

Al fresco: modern & minimal furniture in mixed materials

Rooftop retreat: contemporary daybed with colourful cushions

To die for: glitzy Day of the Dead wallpaper equals bling factor

Caribbean blues: throw with playful pattern adds tropical feel

Metallica - hammered metal drum pendants all lined up

Lavish log: rustic chic vibe provided by silver painted stump

Surf art: handpainted surfboards make attractive interior artwork

0 Comments

Rejuvenate Your Space!

2/25/2017

0 Comments

Pantone’s colour for 2017 has recently been announced and it’s a welcome one. With winter still hanging around and current affairs making the world feeling increasingly volatile, a bright burst of colour is just what’s needed to lift spirits.
This year’s celebrity is called Greenery and is a fresh yellow-green that is reminiscent of spring growth. Due to its origins in nature, it is recognized as a neutral colour that can be easily paired and effortlessly incorporated into one’s décor. Here’s how:

Refresh – what’s old is brought to life again through the enhancement of a vibrant new hue. Use for walls, furniture, accents and artwork, just about anywhere a pick-me-up is required. And although it might be associated with spring/summer it can certainly be used year round.

Revitalize – equated with getting back to nature, greenery is a connection with the outdoors, bringing the outside in. It assists in creating calm, serene spaces and is a reminder to make time to recharge. Living walls of greenery can also be incorporated into interiors for aesthetic and health reasons.

Renew – green is also a colour linked with conservation and leading a more sustainable existence. It denotes a more lasting quality and evokes reusing or recycling goods for a simpler, greener lifestyle. No need to swap it out for next year’s latest and greatest, as this one’s a keeper!

0 Comments

IDS17 Summed Up

1/24/2017

0 Comments

The annual Interior Design Show held in Toronto hosted an impressive array of international guest speakers & featured the latest products. Some of the following caught our discerning eye!

Tangled up: metal & foam fabric make up this distinct chair

Striped statement: wood totems add artistic touch to interiors

Colour riot: mix & match wooden tiles enhance any wall

Click clock: more clock-watching with these porcelain timepieces

Switch it up: custom & changeable cabinet doors

Lightform: a new type of LED light inside a thin acrylic sheet

Rockabye: kids will love this cute & comfy cloud rocking horse

Stylish storage: ceramic whisper boxes for hiding secrets

Unique armoire: use the ears to open this quartz wardrobe

0 Comments

Giving Back

12/16/2016

0 Comments

Oudejans Interiors is once again delighted to support a family in need in conjunction with Holiday Helpers Canada. Here are some of the goodies purchased for those sponsored. We wish them and everyone else a truly Happy Holiday season!

0 Comments

IIDEX16 Insights

11/30/2016

0 Comments

Canada’s National Design & Architecture Exposition held in Toronto at the end of November, once again hosted international guest speakers, held informative seminars and showcased innovative products. Here's a look at what was on offer:

Blu Dot’s booth displayed a collection of colourful coat racks

Tusch Seating's Riverside chairs from waterproof polyurethane

Unique wood products in the workshop competition area

An exposed bulb on the light fixture adds a modern twist

Clothing hangers fashioned from one piece of bent ash wood

Exotic & eye-catching panel in silver metal 'mock croc'

Recycled bottles become decorative acoustic panels

A whimsical exhibit of pinwheels at Interior Designers of Canada

3D laser printing provides cute Canadiana cardboard cutouts

0 Comments

FIREPLACES: FUNCTIONAL & FUNKY

10/30/2016

As the weather gets colder, we in the west retreat indoors and seek comfort in places that are warm and cosy. Whether it’s a soft sofa in a sunny window, a comfy chair by an old aga oven, or nestling near to an ambient fire, there is consolation in feeling the warmth these provide. We at Oudejans interiors love a fireplace and recommend installing one (where possible) to get through another winter. Here’s why you want to get on board.

Heat – a fireplace can add a lot of warmth to a home, particularly on those bone-chilling days when one is disinclined to venture outdoors. Whether it provides enough heat to slowly infuse a room or even an entire house, a fireplace will certainly add an element of toastiness and solace. It may also help reduce the heating bill, decrease energy dependence and provide more tolerant temperatures during a power outage.

Hearth – a fireplace can be a real magnet and welcomes in anyone who’s around. Historically it was generally located in the center of a room, often the kitchen, and the hub of activity which induced people to naturally gravitate and reside within close proximity. With the possibility of plentiful, comfortable seating in the vicinity, as well as some festive decorations around it (for any occasion), the hearth becomes even more attractive and often a year round draw.

Heart – we’ve all heard the saying, home is where the heart is, but seems there is a whole lot of truth to it as well. There’s nothing like a flickering flame to enliven a space, whether from a gas insert, a wood burning stove or an open fireplace. The snug ambience created by an indoor fireplace is second to none, or in other words, one can’t hold a candle to it! A living space is truly enhanced by the light and comfort a fireplace provides. So we say bring on the cold!

INDUSTRIAL INTERIORS

9/28/2016

0 Comments

No longer an emerging style, industrial chic is now clearly visible in fashionable stores, local restaurants and converted lofts. It’s also becoming increasing prevalent in home interiors ~ and not just those of urbanites. This trend’s appeal has gone mainstream and it’s easy to see why. Here’s a look at what’s involved and how to use it.

The fireplace's concrete wallpaper & metal accents provide industrial elegance

Minimal decor & natural materials infuse industrialism in this bathroom

Basic background: this design aesthetic was adopted from old factories and industrial spaces, many of which have been transformed into hip hotels or large, light-filled living spaces. Inherent to this style are exposed elements like building systems (think ductwork) and raw materials such as bare brick, weathered wood or polished concrete. Then throw in utilitarian lighting fixtures for full effect.

Exposed brick adds warmth & a comfortable casualness to the kitchen

Grey stair stringers & stainless steel bolts affirm the industry of these parts

Get the look: to achieve this in one’s own space, imagine maximizing space, minimizing clutter and eliminating ornate items and accessories. Choose a pragmatic palette of black, grey and white. And as it’s all about utility, consider using reclaimed goods such as a pipe bookcase, a vintage table with casters or a galvanized metal plant pot. Finally, have fun with it, ensuring it's functionality suits you lifestyle.

Grey & white combined with metal accents emphasize the room's utility

Polished concrete flooring & a vintage pendant augment a utilitarian vibe

0 Comments

Lessons in Lighting

8/17/2016

0 Comments

Silver wire mesh is new take on drum pendant

Floating fabric fixture poised above stairs

Statement floor lamp with graceful arch

When it comes to lighting design, one of the main challenges is finding fixtures that are multi-functional. They must: provide sufficient light for varied tasks, be the right ‘colour’ to enhance furnishings, coordinate with other lighting in the environment as well as create the appropriate ambience.

Hammered metal dome lights up custom nook

Unique & unusual mix: concrete & wood pendant

Birds on wire compliments bird cage pendant

There is also the aesthetic side of what looks best where. One must decide between pendants, table or floor lamps, sconces, chandeliers or possibly built-ins to highlight a feature or space. And then there's where to place them. Are you getting overwhelmed yet with the many choices involved? Don't despair, there's help at hand!

Modular chandelier with exposed bulbs

Wooden globe reflects nature in background

Acrylic table lamp with soft & subtle curves

Our advice is to incorporate different types for visual interest. But, with so many decisions to make and so many options to choose from, best speak to a specialist/shop or an actual designer who knows (& loves!) lighting. At Oudejans Interiors we are passionate about all things lighting and are always happy to assist. Shown are some of the lights incorporated in our latest projects.