Western Living Magazine
7 Homes with Outdoor Fireplaces and Firepits
Pamela Anderson’s Ladysmith Home Is a Whimsical, ‘Funky Grandma’ Dream Come True
Before and After: Stunning Photos from a Vancouver Beach House Renovation
9 Ways to Make the Most of Your Summer Fruits
6 Recipes for Your End-of-Summer BBQ
5 Perfect Recipes for Your Next Summer Garden Party
Survey: What Are You Looking for in a Vacation Rental?
Wildfire Resource Guide: Essential Links for Live Updates, Personal Preparedness and More
Local B.C. Getaway Guide: Hidden Gems on Vancouver Island’s East Coast
Fired Up: 5 Barbecues Perfect for End of Summer Grilling
Rebellious, Daring and Dramatic: The New Lotus Eletre
Trendspotting: Highlights from Milan’s Salone del Mobile 2024
It’s Back! Entries Are Now Open for Our WL Design 25 Awards
Announcing the 2024 Western Living Design Icons
You’re Invited: Grab Your Tickets to the 2024 WL Designers of the Year Awards Party
Bored with your interior? Try one of these quick-and-easy updates from interior design Kendall Ansell.
Every relationship has its ups and downs—including the one with your home. No matter how beautiful a space may be, “you’re going to fall out of love with it eventually,” says designer Kendall Ansell. Sometimes that disenchantment owes to a major life change, like retirement, the loss of a loved one or the arrival of a new baby. And sometimes, it’s just a case of that infamous wandering eye. Ever glanced sidelong at a new condo complex and wondered what could have been?It’s simple: after years in the same space, the spark might be gone. But that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s time to move on or that you need to break out the sledgehammer for a major remodel. “You can settle with what you have and also not make it settling,” says Ansell, who regularly helps clients fall back in love with their spaces. She knows firsthand that small changes can make all the difference and leave a homeowner feeling starry-eyed once again.
Focus your efforts in the room where you spend the most time—likely the living room or family room, Ansell says. The kitchen is a more significant undertaking, so leave it until you have the time to take on a serious reno.
Swap out that rectangular coffee table for a circular piece, or choose a new nightstand that’s a little less square. “Just try out different shapes,” suggests Ansell—you’ll be surprised at how dramatic the change can be.
A new coat of paint is everyone’s go-to for a quick refresh, but don’t feel like you need to spend the whole weekend with a roller in hand. “Do one wall,” Ansell advises—it’s enough to make a big impact.
“Blue is my neutral,” Ansell laughs. “It goes with everything.” The designer loves repainting moldings in this soft hue, particularly in basements. “A space that is a bit darker needs that little pick me up of colour,” she explains.
When it comes to plumbing, “the only thing to be scared of is the stuff in the wall,” Ansell says. “The chrome part that you see can easily be changed, as long as you stay with the same brand.” Switch out these fixtures to give your bathroom an easy update.
“You can absolutely paint ceramic tile,” Ansell says, noting that specialty paints for the job are available at any local hardware store. It’s an easy way to modernize outdated decor tile—“just don’t drop a hammer on it afterwards!”
Are you over 18 years of age?