2021 is just around the corner, and with the new year comes the annual flood of new year’s resolutions. Whether you set a resolution every year or you’re new to the ritual, 2021 is the year to focus on being kind to yourself and making small changes that can have a big impact on your life. More than ever, this year is about finding safe ways to enjoy being with yourself, spending time with your family, and loving your home.

With more focus on the home in 2020, resolving to get (and stay) organized may be at the top of many of our lists for 2021. Getting your clutter under control may seem as insurmountable as that clearing away that never-ending pile of junk on your kitchen table, but it’s actually easier to tackle than you might expect.

Whether you’re super motivated to get it done as soon as you can or would prefer to tackle the task slowly over a period of months, successfully getting organized will leave you feeling ready to take on 2021 with a cleaner, clutter-free home.

Here are 6 of our best tips for getting and staying organized at home in 2021:

1. Start with some good old-fashioned decluttering

The best way to get organized is to start by getting rid of stuff. I mean really get rid of stuff. We like the KonMari approach—if it doesn’t “spark joy”, it’s time for that item to go.

Take out everything you own, unload every drawer, empty every closet, and go through it thoughtfully. Decide what you need to keep, what you want to keep, and what you can do without, then sell, gift, or donate what you can. With less stuff to deal with, you can start thinking about what kind of storage and organization solutions will work best in your space.

2. Organize your shelving & filing cabinets

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Get the Look: Sora 24" Pendant | Annette Dining Chair

Go through your books and pick out the best ones, the ones you will read again, and the ones you haven’t read yet. Give them a spot of honour on the shelf, and donate the rest.

If you have a collection of DVDs, BluRays, VHS tapes, records, or cassettes, these too can be decluttered, sorted onto a shelf, and donated. Hang on to anything that is especially important to you—you never know when the wifi might suddenly disappear or your streaming service of choice will ditch your favourite show or song.

Go through your stack of hard-copy documents and shred or burn anything with important info that you no longer need. The rest of the papers can be sorted and filed away in the appropriate folder.

Instead of tucking your papers away in an ugly metal filing cabinet, update your space by swapping your outdated storage cabinet for a modern shelf unit or filing cabinet:

Shop our collection of modern desks and storage

3. Conceal cables and consoles

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Get the Look: Andy Sofa | Kara Media Unit | Copacetic Pouf | Allie Rug

We may have fewer wires and cables to manage than we did 10 or 20 years ago thanks to streaming services and smart devices, but many entertainment options still require plugs and cables to operate. Get your television, game consoles, streaming boxes, DVD or BluRay players and their many cables under control with a proper media unit designed to disguise and organize these items while providing a streamlined and modern look.

Browse our collection of modern media units

4. Sneak storage in with style

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Get the Look: Falcon Sideboard | Florence Mirror | Sunday Wall Art

If entertaining is back on the table in 2021, an organized dining room will help you play host and keep your dining room clutter-free. A sideboard fits perfectly into a dining room and provides you with space to store hosting tools like trays, cocktail-making utensils, drinkware, serving tools, candles, table decor, or table linens. It can even be used to store board games.

Here are some of our favourite modern sideboards:

Shop our collection of modern sideboards and cabinets

5. Make the most of unused space

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Get the Look: Perth Bed | Cora Rug | Athena Bench

There’s always a space in your home you can put to better use. The space under your bed for example can and should be utilized for organizing items that can be stored out-of-sight.  Things that can be stored under your bed in bins or in your under-bed drawers include:

• Pajamas
• Warm socks
• Ear plugs
• Slippers
• Crackers
• Books and magazines you are reading
• Tablets, phones, and laptops
• Diaries and planners
• Out of season clothing
• Sheets
• Extra pillows and blankets
• Holiday gifts

A bed with built-in drawers or a lot of clearance is ideal for turning this area into a convenient and easy-to-conceal storage space.

Browse our modern bed collection

6. Secret storage where you lounge

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Get the Look: West Sectional | Emery Ottoman | Ciotola Flush Mount | Jane 2-Light Wall Sconce

Furniture with built-in storage is a life-saver in living and family rooms, especially in smaller homes or homes with kids. Throw pillows, blankets, reading socks, books, magazines, and extra remotes are all things that you can easily stash in benches or ottomans with hidden compartments so you can clear off space on your couch and coffee tables.

Shop our collection of modern ottomans and poufs

Setting realistic resolutions for 2021

For your 2021 new year’s resolutions, keep it simple. This is not the year to resolve to lose weight or travel more—instead, focus on your hobbies, your health, and your home.

We are still facing unprecedented times, and we could all use some kindness, comfort, and maybe even a project to help us get through the rest of winter and whatever lies beyond. Getting your home organized is something that can be tackled slowly, room by room, when you feel up for it. With the right storage furniture and organization tools, you can get your home clutter-free—and keep it that way—right through 2021.

Shop our full collection of modern storage furniture

It’s been a strange year and the uncertainty shows no signs of stopping as we head into 2021. In times like these, it’s important to focus on what really matters: family, comfort, and good tidings.

Despite the unique challenges we’ve all faced these past months, we’re thrilled to share that Modern Komfort had our best year yet! Since we first opened our shop doors in 2018, we’ve been proud to share our passion for creating beautiful spaces that work for the whole family, and we’re grateful for everyone who’s trusted us to help them create a home that reflects their vision in this unusual year. We’re so proud of our hardworking team and look forward to inspiring even more beautiful spaces in 2021. 

We could all use some comfort, joy, and inspiration with which to fill our cups before we continue on and face the coming year. If creating a cozier home environment and hunkering down with your family has helped you fortify yourself against the challenges of 2020, join us as we celebrate our 2nd anniversary and reflect on some of our favourite Instagram posts from this year.

Here we go!

1. A dreamy dining room makeover

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Get the Look: Britany Dining Chair

This delightful dining room makeover by Jo Galbraith, creator of @jogalbraithathome, struck a chord with over 700 of our followers. Stylish and summery, this warm modern cottage aesthetic creates a cozy dining area for family memories to be made.

2. The perfect spot to spend some downtime

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Get the Look: Candor 4-Light Pendant | Irving 16” Pendant | Dylan Lumbar Pillow | Everett Pillow | Blake Pillow in Natural Blue

Designed by Jenna Holland of Holland Homes NB, this modern cottage uses dark, dramatic hues to complement its ample  light, open space. These comfortable furniture and accessory pieces allow you to feel snug and warm without that boxed in feeling cozier layouts can inspire.

3. A comfy cloud in a gorgeous space

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Get the Look: Cloud Sofa | Bryne LED Pendant

Erin Conway from @kismethouse inspires us with a warm, comfortable place to lounge and unplug after a day of remote working. In this living room, you can curl up on your couch with a good book, a candle, a glass of wine or cup of tea (or whatever beverage you prefer).

4. A surf side print in a warm and inviting room

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Get the Look: Surf Side Print

Do you want to lounge in comfort and dream of summer? Stare at the beach and feel the sea breeze on your skin well into the depths of December? Envision yourself in a living room like this one by Brianne Penney from @boneill_athome. You can make it happen with some small additions to your current setup, such as new artwork and some comfy throw pillows.

5. The transformation of a new home

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Get the Look: Britany Dining Chair

Jo Galbraith’s dining room makeover was an absolute hit on Instagram, so here it is again from a new angle. Bench seating combined with traditional dining chairs, a simple and beachy colour palette, and a beautifully braided pendant lamp create an eating area capable of hosting a number of different styles of events, from intimate family-only meals to potentially larger soirees.

6. A welcoming space to keep family traditions alive

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Get the Look: Ripple Dining Chair | Florence Pendant

Lita of XO Frankie at Home shared with us this gorgeous dining room space she created using some of our favourite dining chairs and a modern pendant update to the traditional chandelier. This cozy space is well-suited to family dinners and evenings with friends. 

7. A bright and crisp bathroom makeover

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Get the Look: Reynolds Mirror | Stellar 2-Light Wall Sconce

This beautiful bathroom makeover by our Modern Komfort team gives us some great ideas for our own homes. Who doesn’t love the look of a clean, modern bathroom with spectacular, bright lighting? This makeover expertly provides a calming space to start and finish your day.

8. Sideboard styling at its finest

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Get the Look: Kara Sideboard

If the houseplant craze has hit your home, you’re not alone. Many people found themselves the proud parent of a succulent or six this year, and nothing compliments greenery in your home like natural accents and wood furniture. Our Kara sideboard, made with mango wood, cane, and iron helps to create the perfect backdrop for your pothos, snake plants, and succulents.

9. Warm winter vibes

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Get the Look: Northern Ridge Print | Alpine Print | Flight Pillow | Dallas Pillow | Troilus Floor Lamp | Mitchell Ottoman

Along with the seasons, our homes change throughout the year. As we move into winter, don’t be afraid to embrace the greys and pale blues of the season. These cool tones can create a lovely and surprisingly inviting colour palette, especially when they’re paired with warm accents like our Mitchell ottoman, and they act as the perfect neutral backdrop for more festive decorations.

10. One of the coziest spots around

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Get the Look: Cloud Sofa

Tanya at House of Six Interiors created this delightfully warm and inviting living room. Whether curling up with a book, a cat, and a cup of tea, sitting down with friends or—let’s be honest—taking a nap on that incredible couch, this living room is the very picture of modern home comfort.

Wrapping Up

With all of us spending more time at home than ever, the way our indoor spaces look and feet has become more important. Whether you undertook a complete renovation, added a few small pieces and plants, or simply gathered inspiration with the intention of redecorating later, the whole Modern Komfort team, thanks you for sharing your homes and inspirations with us. As we celebrate another year of business, we look forward to what 2021 has in store.

Join the celebration! Use code CELEBRATE15 for 15% off any purchase.

For more inspiring content, follow us on Instagram.

The holiday season has arrived and for many of us, that means gift giving in some form or another. Home renos and redesigns were a popular pastime with everyone spending more time in the home in 2020, and the gift of home decor to freshen up a stale space will likely be a welcome one this year.

Whether you love the thrill of giving a truly good gift or find the process more stressful than satisfying, the key to giving in 2020 is to buy early in case that must-give gift is out of stock or there are delays in shipping and receiving your purchase.

If you haven’t already made your list and started checking things off, here are some ideas to help get your gift giving off the ground:

Gifts For: The Chef

Consider helping the chef or culinary dabbler in your life change up their kitchen with some fresh tea towels, sponge cloths, cutting boards, and trays. With motifs and patterns to satisfy every home chef, small items like these make perfect stocking stuffers.

For the chef who loves plants and gardening:

For the chef with a passion for fruit:

For the woodsy or Scandinavian chef:

Browse our full range of kitchen accessories

Gifts For: The Lounger

Do you know someone who’s idea of a perfect day is to curl up with a good book, a video game, or twelve straight hours of Netflix? These are the people in your life who need an ottoman or pouf—these practical pieces instantly transform any chair into a comfortable recliner, making it easy to kick your feet up and wile away the hours. Some of them even offer additional storage to help jump start that new year’s resolution to get organized.

Shop our collection of modern ottomans and poufs

Gifts For: The Friend Who is Always Cold

We all know someone who is just always cold—their house is 25 degrees no matter what season it is, they always need a sweater or extra thick socks, and they don’t turn the air conditioning on in their car even if you’re sticking to the seats and sweating through your shirt. The perfect gift for the constantly cold is a cozy blanket to snuggle into or a plush rug to protect their feet.

Shop our collection of modern throws

Shop our collection of modern area rugs

Gifts For: The Green Thumb

Houseplants and indoor gardening surged in popularity this year as we took to our homes and turned them into our own personal jungles. I don’t know about you, but most of the plant collectors in my life forget to pick up a nice pot to house their prized new plant. Give the green thumb in your life (and their plant babies) the gift of a beautiful modern planter to conceal those plastic green, black, and terracotta pots from the garden centre.

Shop our full range of modern planters

Gifts For: The Cozy Curator

The Hygge craze swept North America in 2017 and this cozy concept quickly became a mainstay in many homes. Help your comfort-craving friend or family member create the hygge haven of their dreams with a delightfully scented candle and accompanying lantern—nothing creates a relaxing atmosphere like the warm glow of candlelight.

Browse our collection of modern candles and lanterns

Gifts For: The Photographer/Moment Collector

Thanks to digital photography, a lot of photos are taken, posted online (or not), and then never looked at again. If you have a photographer, family historian, or moment collector on your gift list, getting some of their photographs or favourite memories printed and mounted in a beautiful frame is a heartfelt way to give a personalized gift and get more enjoyment out of these moments.

Peruse our collection of modern picture frames

Gifts For: The Person Who Has Everything

There is always someone in your life who can’t resist treating themselves to the thoughtful gift you’ve been planning to get them for months, who already has one of everything in every colour, or who is just plain impossible to shop for. Surprise the person who already has everything with a splurge they’ll never expect.

Comfortable cushions and lovely grey tones make our Cloud couch the ideal present for the special person in your life who already has one of everything (or who just desperately needs a new couch). There’s no rule saying this person can’t also be you—we’re big fans of the self-gift here at Modern Komfort.

View our Cloud sofa in Valley Nimbus and Vesuvio Dove

If a couch feels too big and bulky to wrap, consider giving them the gift of good sleep in the form of luxury of pure linen sheets. These breathable sheets have a nice weight to them and are pre-washed with natural enzymes to ensure they are soft.

Shop our collection of modern bedding

Wrap It Up this Holiday Season

Buying and sending gifts early will be the key to a successful holiday season this year. We may not be able to gather together and celebrate as normal, but we can still express ourselves through phone calls and video chats, kind messages in the mail, and thoughtful tokens. After an unusual year, a heartfelt gift and some warm words can go a long way to making the holiday season as bright as ever.

Shop our collection of modern home decor

Throw pillows are an elegant (and comfortable!) way to update the look of your home at any time. They can be swapped in and out easily as the seasons change and your design needs evolve, and they can have a significant impact on the look and feel of your space.

Because throw pillows are such a simple addition, you may be wondering why we wrote an entire guide to choosing and styling pillow combinations. Shouldn’t selecting throw pillows be as simple as finding some you like and gently tossing them onto your couch or bed? Perhaps, but thanks to the large number of pillow options available, it can be hard to narrow down what look you want and what style looks good without a little guidance.

That’s why we’ve put together some straightforward guidelines to help you combine pillows and create the comfortable and stylish look of your dreams—and maybe even fortify the walls for your pillow forts.

Let’s get started.

1. Select your colour scheme

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Get the Look: Dylan Lumbar Pillow | Douglas Lumbar Pillow (sold out) | Butterfly 1 | Butterfly II | Peg Floor Lamp

There are a couple of different ways you can narrow down a colour scheme:

1. Select a shade that matches or complements the items you already have in your home and build your colour scheme from there.
2. Ask yourself what colours speak to you at this time of year. Your colour scheme doesn’t necessarily have to have a seasonal or holiday theme, so instead of limiting yourself to seasons, events, or what’s trendy, your palette can simply feature colours that fit your home or delight you at this particular moment.

If you want to take a more technical approach to choosing a colour scheme, try using a colour palette generator like this one from Adobe. It will help you create a colour palette using colour harmony rules, and it can even create a palette out of colours from an image you upload. This is a great way to play with colours to get a good idea of what you want and what will look good before you start picking out pillows.

2. Pick patterns and styles

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Get the Look: Daniel Pillow (sold out) | Darcy Pillow | Dawn Pillow

Selecting a good mix of styles and patterns is key to building an attractive arrangement. 

Make sure you include some solid coloured pillows to help balance out any bold patterns. Or, if you want to stick with solid colours across all your pillows, remember that just because they are solid doesn’t mean they can’t have an interesting texture or look. Whether you mix up patterns or opt for a monochromatic look, you’ll find a wide variety of pillow styles to choose from, including:

• Plain covers, including patterns and solid hues
• Envelope front
• Button flap
• Mitered
• Buttoned/Tufted

In addition to different styles, throw pillows are also available with a variety of different edge types to add even more texture and appeal to your pillows, including:

• Straight edge
• Self-welt edge
• Ruffle edge
• Flange edge
• Fabric tie

To begin, we recommend choosing one or two patterns to go in an arrangement, along with one solid colour—you can always layer in more patterns and solids later. Solid colours can have a textured material or different style or edge to add some variety without creating a busy-looking arrangement.

Here’s an arrangement we created that features two solid-coloured textured pillows, as well as one patterned pillow that combines both colour tones. The combination of shapes, colours, and textures creates a balanced look that adds interest without looking busy.

Get the look:

3. Size and shape

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Get the Look: Dean Pillow | Dominique Pillow | Drake Lumbar Pillow | Dawn Pillow | Peg Floor Lamp | Birds in Flight I Wall Art | Birds in Flight II Wall Art

Like patterns and colours, having a mixture of shapes adds depth and creates height and visual interest on your couch or bed. Throw pillows come in a lot of different sizes and shapes:

Standard sizes

• 26” x 26” (Euro): Ideal for king sized beds
• 20” x 26” (Standard): Ideal for queen sized and double or full beds
• 14” x 36” (Large Lumbar): Ideal for king sized beds
• 22” x 22”: Ideal for twin beds, couches, and layering in on larger beds
• 20” x 20”: Ideal for couches and layering in on larger beds
• 18” x 18”: I deal for couches and layering in on larger beds
• 16” x 20” (Small lumbar): Ideal couches and layering in on larger beds

It’s a good idea to include some large pillows in the mix because they are (most importantly) comfortable and great to lounge on top of, but they also take up lots of visual space and create the look of a plush, full, intentional look.

4. Arrangement

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Get the Look: Birman Mirror | Diamond Blanket Pink

Arranging pillows is deceptively simple. If you’re new to arranging pillows, consider our earlier advice and start by including:

• Two prints—one large or bold pattern and one small or subtle pattern
• One solid—solid pillows can feature a texture or can come in several shades of the same hue, or feature complementary or contrasting colours

How you organize your selection of pillows is up to you, but there are a few different approaches you can take and some general rules you can follow if you need some guidance:

A symmetrical or an asymmetrical arrangement is a matter of personal preference. Symmetry is more traditional and lends a clean and orderly look to your home. Asymmetry is a bit edgier and can look great in the right setting, but it can also look messy if done incorrectly.

On a bed, place your largest pillows at the back of the arrangement and layer medium and small pillows in front like we’ve done here:

On a couch, day bed, or window seat, smaller pillows should be in the middle and the largest on the outside. Not only is this more visually pleasing, it also makes it easier to sit because you aren’t being pushed off the seat by large pillows.

A comfortable collection

Switching out your pillows is a simple way to create a new look in your home, and they are easy to store when not in use—most pillow covers can be unzipped, unbuttoned, or untied and packed flat for storage. When adding new throw pillows to your collection, just remember to:

1. Select your colour scheme first
2. Pick out your desired patterns and styles to fit the colour scheme you selected
3. Choose a range of sizes to create some depth and visual interest
4. Arrange them with larger sizes and taller pillows towards the back and sides, layering patterns and colours in a way you find visually appealing

Shop our collection of modern throw pillows

The holiday season and the practice of entertaining may look a little different this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t update your home and redecorate your dining room to add some festive cheer to your family celebrations. After all, chances are you’ll be spending more time at home over the course of the holiday season, and who is more important to impress than yourself? 

The dining room is a special place in any house—a place where friends and family gather to break bread, reconnect, and make memories—and it deserves to be decorated accordingly. If you are craving a change but aren’t sure what direction to take, now is the perfect time to draw decorating ideas from happy holiday memories—and, of course, a few design enthusiasts.

Inspired by some of our own favourite holiday memories, we took a closer look at three popular design themes to help you get the dining room of your dreams, whether you’re looking for small changes or are ready for a major makeover.

Inspiration: Modernized rustic cottage

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Get the Look: Smart Dining Chair | Sycamore Dining Table

My favourite Thanksgiving memory is the big round oak dining table we had at our cottage on the shore of Lake Huron, near Saint Joseph, Ontario. If more people were coming over, the round table had leaves and became an oval. There's nothing better than cozying up to the sound of the waves and eating turkey in the country, with all the trimmings and of course, a glass of wine, pumpkin pie with whipped cream, and a good walk up the lane and back to take in the fall colours and burn off a tiny bit of that dinner. - Andrew Goodman, Toronto ON

If you missed getting away to your cottage over the summer, why not recreate the look of a rustic cottage at home while retaining that modern aesthetic?

Forget about dark, dusty, and outdated cottage decor. A light, neutral colour palette provides the perfect backdrop for an updated rustic cottage dining space. Embrace to the cottage chic by showcasing antiques, using warm modern accents inspired by outdoor textures, or incorporating natural elements such as:

• Exposed wood beams
• Aged textures and finishes
• Driftwood and stone elements
• Landscape artworks
• Candles
• Woollen throws and natural linens
• Unpainted wood furniture, such as the round oak dining table from Andrew’s memory.

Add some updated rustic cottage charm to your dining room with these round wood dining tables:

Inspiration: Cozy family home

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Get the Look: Britany Dining Chair | Barke Dining Table

I have fond childhood memories of many family gatherings around my grandparents' extra large pine dining table, custom built by my talented grandfather. The table was big enough to fit our extended family of 16 and wide enough to serve an entire thanksgiving dinner (turkey and all) down the centre. Growing up in rural Newfoundland often meant that neighbours or anyone without family nearby was welcome at our table. When neighbors joined in, we extended the table into the living room and everyone had a place. - Helen Champion, Modern Komfort

Reach into your past and draw on the most important and memorable elements of your childhood kitchen table or dining room. Instead of recreating the dining room of your youth (it’s probably looking a little outdated by now!), focus instead on creating your own cozy family home and decorating it the way you want. To us, this means:

• A warm, rich colour palette
• A plush rug
• Bench seating
• Family photographs
• Table lamps
• Indoor plants

It’s more important than ever to find new ways to fill our homes with warmth and cheer, so instead of focusing on what we can’t do, look forward to when we are able to gather again. You may not be able to crowd around a large or extendable dining table like my grandparents’, but you can still load it with all your favourite holiday treats. Here are a couple of our favourite modern options:

Inspiration: Minimalist and modern

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Get the Look: Sliver Dining Chair | Audrey Dining Table | Biro Pendant Lamp | Glen Mirror

I have many fond memories of Christmas Dinners with my family. My favourite memory is the extra place setting my parents always included at the dinner table. It didn't matter how many guests were around the table, even if space was tight, there was always an extra seat. When I was old enough to understand, my parents explained that the seat and place setting were set in case someone who was less fortunate than us knocked on our door and needed a meal. And, although no one ever knocked, we were always ready, and always thankful for each other and the meal we were so fortunate to share. - Anna Rubaj, Modern Komfort

Mid-century modern and minimalism are enduring trends for interior decor, but it can be hard for some people to really nail the look—because of their popularity, vintage mid-century modern pieces can be difficult to come across, and not everyone is ready to pare down their belongings to fully embrace the minimalist style.

If you’re worried that a minimalist or modern style will feel cold and less homey than rustic cottage chic or a cozy family vibe, don’t worry! A warm modern or minimalist look is easy to achieve with the right pieces, and you can create the look without relying on thrifted or vintage finds.

Focus on keeping things simple and switching key pieces where you can. Complement a neutral or monochrome colour palette with mid-century modern-inspired silhouettes and warm wood tones, along textured accents and natural finishes to keep things homey without sacrificing style, such as:

• Sparse belongings with statement pieces, such as pendant lamps, artwork, or mirrors
• Mid-century modern chairs
• An appropriate dining table made from materials like glass, plastic, and unpainted wood

These sleek dining tables combine minimalist glass tops with warm wood legs to perfectly fuse mod style with cozier materials, and they’re large enough to add an extra place setting in case someone unexpected knocks at the door:

Shop our selection of modern dining tables

Dishing up your dream dining room

Instead of filling our homes with friends and family, this year is perfect for spending quality time with our closest family members and focusing on creating a comfortable space that makes you feel happy at home. Refreshing your dining room by making small changes or sweeping updates can go a long way to adding some cheer to this unusual holiday season.

When creating your dream dining room and transforming it into a space you will enjoy for years to come, don’t be afraid to go all in. That can mean starting small and slowly making changes to nail the look you want, or really going for it and redoing the entire thing at once. Choose an approach that works for your personal needs and one that fits your budget. If you need advice, we’re here to help you create the look you want.

Shop our collection of modern dining furniture

Whether you are celebrating North or South of the Canadian border, Thanksgiving is going to look very different in 2020. Traditionally a time of travel and togetherness, this year we will all have to celebrate and share thanks from a distance at a time when some of us may not be feeling all that thankful. But unusual circumstances don’t mean you have to bid farewell to all of your favourite holiday traditions!

Spending quality time with family (online or in person) and embellishing our homes with seasonal decor are two of our favourite ways to embrace the spirit of Thanksgiving and inspire some much-needed joy. This year, instead of the usual Thanksgiving smorgasbord for 20, small gatherings with your immediate household or Zoom dinners may be the norm, and taking the time to set the perfect scene for your virtual gathering or create a welcoming space for your immediate family can go a long way to adding a sense of cheer to this unconventional season.

Regardless of how you plan to come together this year, Thanksgiving is the perfect excuse to dress up your home with some simple seasonally-appropriate decor. To help you set the scene, we’ve compiled some of our favourite Thanksgiving decor inspiration. Take a look:

Lighting to set the mood

The soft light of a candle or lantern helps to create a cozy, comfortable atmosphere—something we are all craving this year. These lanterns will look great on your table, mantle, or anywhere in your home. For some Thanksgiving vibes, try nestling candle-lit lanterns amongst your other Thanksgiving or autumn decor, then switch up your seasonal decor when the snow starts to fly to create a wintery scene for the holidays.

Shop our collection of modern lanterns

While low lighting will create a nice ambience for intimate family gatherings, if you are video conferencing over dinner, make sure you incorporate enough lighting for your virtual guests to clearly see you. Some overhead lighting in addition to your candles and lanterns should be sufficient.

Traditional fall accents

Bringing the outdoors into your home by using leaves, nuts, flowers, berries, seeds, and branches as trimmings is a classic element of autumn home decor. Creating a centrepiece or tablescape for your dinner table or a seasonally-appropriate background for your virtual Thanksgiving using these items is a simple way to add beauty to your Thanksgiving experience

@jogalbraithathome recently shared a beautiful arrangement picked from her yard:

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Looking for something a little less traditional? We love how @mynameisrasha incorporated pastel colours into her Thanksgiving tablescape while still keeping true to the season:

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Whether you collect them from your yard, a garden centre, flower shop, home decor store, or opt to use faux materials for aesthetic (or cleanliness) reasons, consider adding these items to your arrangements:

• Acorns
• Branches (PRO TIP: dogwood is especially good for this purpose because of its beautiful red tone)
• Dried plants such as wheat and grasses, inspired by @olgas_rusticrental:

View full post on Instagram

• Pumpkins, gourds and squash
• Fall foliage
• Feathers

Floral & natural accents

There is nothing quite so soothing and pleasant to the eye as greenery—especially as the seasons change and the lush green of summer fades into the bright reds and yellows of fall. Though typically associated with winter or summer decor, you can incorporate cut or live plants and flowers in your dining experience or home during any season.

There are several types of greenery you can add to update your Thanksgiving decor in addition to the traditional pumpkin and gourd arrangements, such as:

• Green foliage such as ferns or eucalyptus like this table by Chrissy Horton at Inspired Fashion Finds:

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• Berries
• Cut or potted flowers
• Succulents, inspired by @kelssucculentshop:

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Keep the natural theme going by using a beautiful wood vase to display your cut arrangements:

Shop our collection of modern vases

Pottery

Ceramics and pottery lend a certain rustic earthiness to a home, and they look great year-round. Reminiscent of a time when harvest season was something we all participated in, incorporating some clay works into your Thanksgiving decor is a great way to make your home feel more inviting, whether it’s a traditional earthenware water pitcher or plates that are more trendy and up-to-date.

• Blue and white pottery
• Neutral toned drink pitchers
• Dark glazes, inspired by @withtheprinces:

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Get the look for yourself with these vases:

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Dinner decor for a different kind of Thanksgiving

In spite of this year’s difficulties, there is something soothing about turning to our usual traditions and embracing them in new ways. While you may not be having a 20 lb turkey or tofurkey dinner this year, with a few easy decorations, you can still create a beautiful Thanksgiving dining experience for your family bubble, your housemates, or even just for yourself.

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Whether you’re wishing this past summer a fond farewell or goodbye and good-riddance, the transition to a new season always brings its own comforts and complaints. Welcome or not, changes in daylight and weather prompt transformations in our gardens, routines, wardrobes, and attitudes—and, of course, our homes. 

Switching up your home accents is an easy way to embrace these changes and fortify yourself against the coming autumn by adding some much-needed warmth and comfort to your indoor spaces. Simple changes that are easy to swap out in winter and again in spring or summer can quickly refresh the look of a home you have been spending more time in than usual. 

It may not be time to go full-hygge, but it’s certainly time to start incorporating cozy elements into your home in preparation for the darkening days and cooler temperatures. Here are 3 easy ways to embrace autumn in your home:

1. Bring the autumnal ambience indoors

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When you think of autumn indoors, what do you imagine? To us, it brings to mind both the rich and muted colours of golds, greys, reds, beiges, and browns, and the cozy textures of wools, knits, faux-furs, and plaid, all silhouetted against a window view of crisp wind in the leaves, the low golden sun, and grey skies. 

Transfer the energy of this magical season onto your walls with artwork that captures the autumnal motif:

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Candles and lanterns are a great way to bring warmth into your home, especially as the nights grow longer. Nothing inspires creativity and relaxation like the low light of a candle or a low-lumen LED lantern:

2. Add comfort on every level

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When it comes to decorating for the season, walls and tabletops tend to get all the attention. But, whether you’re a shoes-on or shoes-off kind of household, rugs can add to the welcoming feeling of a home and offer the added benefit of dampening sound—an essential quality as we all continue to adjust to the reality of working and learning from home. 

A beautiful, traditionally crafted rug with an autumnal colour palette not only adds to a room’s overall aesthetic, it also protects your floors from scuffs and protects your feet from cold floors, especially once those temperatures start to dip.

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3. Layer in the warmth with throws and pillows

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Autumn is often associated with the best fashion the year has to offer. Our clothing choices are no longer dictated by how sweaty we’ll be when the sun peaks in the midday sky—instead, sweater weather brings the return of our favourite cozy boots, capes, and layers of luxurious materials. Thankfully, these materials aren’t just limited to adorning our bodies—they transition well to home decor as well.

For autumn-appropriate couch accoutrements, choose luxurious, soft materials to drape over yourself while you nap in the fading afternoon sun, cuddle on the couch during your favourite show, or sit through the incredibly long conference call someone booked much too late in the day. 

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Comfortable pillows that can support your head or your lower back, are an easy, impermanent way to refresh the atmosphere in your home and usher in a new season. Incorporate the colours featured in your blankets and artwork into your throw pillows and choose some fall motif prints to tie the whole look together:

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Embracing autumn at home

With many traditional fall activities on hold, we are all preparing to spend more time indoors this fall than in previous years. Instead of dreading the shorter days and cooler climes, observe the changing of the seasons and welcome them into your home. Making your space somewhere you enjoy spending time by incorporating little autumnal touches, adding warmth as the temperature drops and updating it continually is an easy way to keep your home from looking stale and yourself from feeling cooped up in an unchanging environment.

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Join our community of over 14,000 followers! Follow us on Instagram @modernkomfort for more furniture, lighting, and decor inspiration. 

Our team member rolled up her sleeves and took on this fun accent wall project. Below is an account of her experience with our Peel & Stick Wallpaper:

Deciding on anything design, or decor related can sometimes be overwhelming, and wallpaper is no exception! Even the peel & stick versions can seem a little scary. Hopefully this post makes the task seem less daunting, answers some questions, and helps you to get started.

First of all, I need to let you in on a little secret... I have never applied wallpaper before... but this experience was 100% simple and has made a big statement in my home. Now that I have my patterned wallpaper up, it has given me a starting point for the room and makes it easier to choose the other items for the room. 

Wallpaper can act as a focal point within a room. It often covers the majority of the surface, and is usually one of the first concepts guests will notice!

At Modern Komfort, we offer over 40 different patterns, with samples available to borrow in store, along with a wide variety of options on our website. All of our wallpaper is peel and stick and our patterns include geometric shapes, dots, chevron, terrazzo, plant/succulents, grid formations, and our personal favourite, the "ombre" fading design. 

Wallpaper is certainly on trend at the moment and we don't see any signs of it disappearing any time soon. However, in case you still have doubts, the peel and stick variety is ideal because it can literally be used over and over. If you put it up and get tired of it in a year, you can give it a new life in a different space.

Steps of application:
Wallpaper is weightless, timeless, cost-effective, and most of all it leaves a dramatic affect when redesigning your space! The steps to apply the wallpaper are quite simple, but you must take your time, so each sheet is aligned perfectly resulting in perfect placement and an elevated space.

Step 1: Before splurging on wallpaper, measure the surface you which to cover to
ensure you have the correct amount of paper (you could even purchase an extra roll for backup). You can either buy in separate panels or custom ship it with the entire wall’s dimensions. This way, even if your space isn't perfectly straight, you won't run into a shortage problem. HOT TIP: Please don’t assume your ceiling is perfectly straight. You may have to make adjustments at the bottom.

Step 2: Ensure the surface you plan to wallpaper is clean, smooth and dry for the best possible results!

Step 3: Carefully remove the backing about 5 inches so the sticky surface is exposed and ready to apply. 

Step 4: Take the top corner of the wallpaper and start to press and smooth the surface out slowly making your way down to the bottom, and from the centre to the outer edges. I used my hands to smooth the surface, but you can also you a soft cloth. Go VERY SLOW! And I would remove the backing as your go down the wall, NOT all at once. I worked left to right and top to bottom. As you remove the backing, try your best to remove any air bubbles or creases with your hands. HOT TIP: Make sure your patterns match up. I mean, this kind of goes without saying, but it's an important point.  

Step 5: If needed, cut around the edges of the wall with an exacto knife to ensure the wallpaper fits the surface correctly. It was so easy, like cutting butter so again,  take your time. 

Step 6: Repeat previous steps for each panel if you have not ordered in one full custom piece - I ordered 5 - 2’ x 4’ panels.

Have fun & enjoy : )

Jessika 

“May your walls know joy; may every room hold laughter and every window open to a great possibility” - Maryanne Radmacher-Hershey

Color Trends in Home Decor 2019

At Modern Komfort we are in the business of helping to create beautiful spaces! And while figuring out current home décor trends can be daunting, as well-known designer, Jonathan Adler says, “Nothing is ‘out,’ nothing is bad – it’s just a lot of options. Think of trends like a salad bar; you can pick and choose to create your personal style.”  We love this outlook, because let’s face it, who’s changing up their home décor every time there is a new trend! 

While knowing all the current home décor trends is helpful in choosing paint colours, furnishings and accessories, know also that choosing elements you love, in the colors you love, is the most important part of creating a home.

It’s not always necessary to make big changes to create big impact. When changing out tile, flooring, countertops, etc. is not realistic, yet you are still craving a change, simply updating your movable elements like armchairs, art, rugs, or even just changing out the accessories to add more of the colour and style you love, can give your space a whole new look and feel, and satisfy your desire for change.

We've looked around at paint companies colour forecasts for 2019, along with news from our favourite design bloggers, and we have put together this list to help you navigate what's new in 2019. 

Gray: Benjamin Moore’s 2019 colour of the year is Metropolitan AF-690. This choice is interesting because it indicates that although gray has been a very popular colour for the last ten years, it is still desirable as a main neutral backdrop for homeowners and it is warming up. Gray is still a wonderful backdrop to some of the brighter and cleaner colours we are seeing such as blues, oranges and pinks. We love what @kismet_house did with our Modernity grey upholstered bed. It has a warm, calming feeling in this room, paired with wood touches and pastel pink. 

Blue: The colour blue is considered the first colour choice for the majority of people in the world and a personal favourite for the Modern Komfort staff, so we are happy to see it is still going strong and that there are no signs of it disappearing as a top colour in the world of design. In fact, we view blue as a trending classic.

Behr’s 2019 colour of the year is Blueprint S470-5. This is a mellow blue with a hint of green. While strong saturated blues are still very much on trend, including indigo and navy, we are also seeing softened and dustier hues including denim (a hot new hue!!) and powder blues making their way into our homes. Our patterned indigo mudcloth pillows are a simple way to add a touch of blue to your space, while our Athens Rug pairs different blues which makes it easy to style other existing pieces with. 

Green

Like blue, green is becoming very popular and whether décor or fashion, it is popping up everywhere. Green colours help us feel calm and rested – have you noticed that house plants are everywhere now?  

Dulux’s 2019 colour of the year is Night Watch, a deep forest green. This colour takes us back to the 80’s and 90’s but today’s forest greens are not the same. The new dark greens are greyer and moodier and pair beautifully with brass and blush pinks. In fact, all shades of dark and dramatic greens are trending.

A simple way to add green to your space is with greenery such as plants, throw blankets, smaller accessories. For a bigger statement, the Algonquin Arm Chair in Emerald Green is a perfect choice. 

Blush Pink (or is it Peach?): We are happy that blush pink is still going strong, however, 2019’s pink is softer, tawnier and muddier then the fresh shades of Millennial pink which have been around for a few years.

Peachy pink tones are showing up in smaller home décor items such as pillows and we are seeing peach sofas from top designers. Because peach hasn’t been around since the 1980’s it is looking fresh and new! It also signifies that interiors are warming up. A great way to update your grays and blues is to add peach or pink! 

Big lush florals are trending right now! Many of them have rich jewel tones and a range of greens and pinks. These florals also work beautifully with other patterns including stripes and checks. A multi-coloured pattern can be so useful in a room and a great way to figure out your colour palette.

Cognac Leather: Cognac Leather is everywhere right now and we can see why! This warm shade has been around for decades and is considered a timeless classic – our favourite type of décor. A colour combo we are loving is denim blue and cognac. Cognac pairs perfectly with warm wood tones also.