8 Decorating Tips from Western Canada’s Next Home Stylist

We chat with competition winner Christina Dennis (a.k.a. the DIY Mommy) about her top home decorating tips.

We first interviewed Christine Dennis back in June when she was one of three finalists in Western Canada’s Next Home Stylist contest, and after a long summer of decorating challenges, the Stony Plain blogger and mother of three has been crowned the winner.

As part of her victor spoils she’ll be sharing her expertise on the main stage at both the Vancouver Home and Design Show (October 23) and Edmonton Fall Home Show (October 24 and 25), but first, here’s a sneak preview of some of her top decorating tips for the home.

8 Decorating Tips from Western Canada’s Next Top Stylist:

1. Take a slow, deliberate approach to decorating. Many of the most beautiful and comfortable looking homes have been pieced together over time. Only buy pieces that you absolutely adore!2. Unleash the power of paint. Especially if you’re on a budget, painting your walls or even your furniture a fresh colour can make your space look completely different. Don’t be afraid to lighten, brighten or infuse some happy colour into your home.3. Bring nature in. It’s amazing how much warmer and more alive a room can look just by adding some plants and other greenery to the mix. Live plants are wonderful, but dried flowers or good quality faux blooms can look beautiful too.4. Mix the old with the new. A room full of stark, new furniture can look a little dull. Mix your shiny new pieces with ones that you find from the thrift store or the antique shop. A coat of paint might be all that a thrifted find will need, plus it’s always fun to have one-of-a-kind pieces to make your home unique.5. Decorate for YOU. Rather than solely keeping up with the latest Pinterest or designer trends, make sure you’re following your heart when it comes to your home’s decor. It’s YOU and your family living in your home, so surround yourself with pieces that make you smile.

6. An easy trick: Pull your furniture away from your walls and into the middle of your room to create more cozy sitting areas. You won’t believe the difference it will make to your space!

7. Budget-conscious tip: Buy your larger, investment pieces in neutral colours that you’ll love for years. Then, you can change your home’s look with the seasons or your interests through colourful accessories that aren’t as expensive to change.

8. When you’re itching for a change: I spray paint my home decor accessories when I get tired of their colour—especially picture frames! It hardly costs anything, and it only takes an afternoon to paint a dozen frames. It can completely change the look of your wall art.

Catch the Alberta blogger, a.k.a. DIY Mommy, presenting at the Vancouver Home and Design Show October 23 at 1 p.m. and the Edmonton Fall Home Show October 24 at 4 p.m. and October 25 and 12 p.m.