Christmas and Slip Covers in Dining Room and Christmas Colours

Christmas is almost upon us, and just in time, our slipcovers arrived! With the holidays around the corner and my excitement over the newly covered chairs, I decided to bring out our small artificial Christmas tree and place it in the dining room to complete the festive feel.

Back in June, I ordered a white performance fabric and had custom slipcovers made—and wow, what a transformation! ✨ They instantly brightened and refreshed the space. The slipcovers extend all the way to the floor, giving the chairs a classic but modern look with a subtle touch of drama that feels both updated and inviting.

Benefits of Slipcovers

Our dining chairs are upholstered in a linen-blend performance fabric that brings softness, texture, and sophistication to the space. The full-length slipcovers skim the armless chairs, creating a relaxed, unconstructed look that contrasts beautifully with our more formal, classic dining table. Just in time for our family Christmas brunch, the chairs now feel both welcoming and refined.

Beyond style, these slipcovers solved several design challenges—hiding the gray chair color that clashed with the table and replacing outdated, ill-fitting covers. If you have chairs that no longer suit your room, slipcovers are an easy way to refresh them and extend their life.

Why slipcovers work so well:

  • Instantly update the look of existing chairs
  • Cover colours or finishes that don’t suit your space
  • Add softness and elegance without replacing furniture
  • Offer a casual yet polished aesthetic
  • Provide a practical, budget-friendly refresh

Slipcovers give dining chairs a fresh new lease on life, without sacrificing style or comfort. Take a look at the before-and-after photos below to see the transformation.

Why the Christmas Colours

Christmas was instituted to celebrate the birth of Jesus, and the colours traditionally associated with the season reflect both His character and the purpose for which He came. Red, green, gold, and white are not chosen at random—each carries meaning that points back to the Christmas story and the hope it represents.

Red symbolizes love and sacrifice, reminding us of Christ’s great love for us and the blood He would one day shed so we can be forgiven and reconciled to God. Green represents eternal life and renewal, reflected in the evergreens that remain vibrant even in winter. Gold speaks of royalty, divine light, warmth, and the gifts brought by the Magi, acknowledging Jesus as King. White, perhaps the most reflective colour of the season, represents purity, holiness, and new beginnings.

White, in particular, points to the purity of Jesus and the heavenly light of the Star of Bethlehem. It also symbolizes forgiveness and renewal—reminding us that though we are imperfect and fall short, Jesus came to cleanse us from within. Through forgiveness and turning away from sin, our guilt is removed, and we are made “white as snow” once again, morally and spiritually renewed. My white Christmas decorations serve as a gentle reminder to me of Jesus’ purity and why He came—to bring hope, forgiveness, and new life while on earth and eternal life too. I chose white, gold and green for my tree and dining room because I love the look but also because of what these colours represent at Christmas. What colours have you chosen for your Christmas decorations?











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Budget-Friendly Kitchen Makeover Part #3

After

Giving Our Kitchen New Life: Stripping Wallpaper and Adding Fresh Paint

Our kitchen was in need of some love — it felt dark and outdated — but we kept putting off any major renovations, thinking that one day we’d add an extension. Eventually, we realized that with so many other priorities and expenses, that dream would have to wait. So, we decided to embrace a cosmetic makeover instead!

Every year now, I ask my husband for one kitchen upgrade as a birthday gift, and this year’s project was stripping the wallpaper and painting the walls. 🎨

For those who haven’t been following along, here’s a quick recap:
Over the past three years, we’ve repainted the lower cabinets, replaced the countertop with a warm blond maple surface, and now we’re tackling the walls — saying goodbye to the dated 1980s–1990s wallpaper and hello to a lighter, brighter, more modern kitchen. ✨

If you missed Part 2, where we replaced our dark green countertop, you can check it out here:
👉 Renovating Your Kitchen in Stages – Part Two

Removing that old wallpaper has been time-consuming (and a bit of a challenge!), but I’m absolutely loving how fresh and open the space feels already. ✨ I’ve been doing most of the work myself, and below are some before-and-after photos of the breakfast room area between the broom closet and the window.

You can even see the glue layer — stripping two layers of wallpaper was definitely not fun! 😂 It was interesting to discover that the kitchen was once painted a bright yellow at some point too! ☀️

Before
After
Before while striping the wallpaper

Extreme Kitchen Makeover

Our kitchen is over four decades old, so it was definitely ready for a makeover. We decided to take it one project at a time — tackling each stage slowly but surely — and little by little, we’ve managed to give it the facelift it desperately needed.

When we first moved in, we loved the quaint, cow-themed look — and honestly, we still did for quite a while. But as we started updating the space, we fell in love with the transformation even more. The lighter, brighter colours have completely refreshed the kitchen and made it feel brand new again.

It may have taken five years to convince him, but my husband is now a firm believer in the power of white paint! 🎨✨

Below, you can see the before-and-after photos of the other side of our breakfast room. It’s amazing how much lighter, brighter, and more open it looks compared to before — proof that even small, simple changes can make a big difference!

Before
After: stripped of wall paper and painted

Summary

This project has reminded me that you don’t always need a full renovation to make a big impact. Sometimes, a little paint, some patience, and a bit of hard work and time are all it takes to completely refresh your space. ✨ Whether you’re updating your kitchen one section at a time like we did or planning a larger remodel, every small step brings you closer to the home you love. 💛 If you want to view Part 2, where we replaced our dark green countertop, you can check it out here: 👉 Renovating Your Kitchen in Stages – Part Two

✨ Dark Wallpapered Kitchen Gets a Bright New Look

🏡 A Peek into Our Kitchen Makeover

Tip #1:

When we first bought our cottage, we absolutely loved the cow-themed kitchen with striped wallpaper—and so did our young children! It added a touch of charm and character that felt just right at the time.

But as the years passed, the space began to feel dated tired and a bit too dark. So, we decided it was time for a refresh. The next step in our renovation? Strip the wallpaper and paint the kitchen and adjoining breakfast room in a lighter, brighter colour palette.

The goal was simple: to open up the space, make it feel more airy and inviting, and give it a modern update while keeping the cozy cottage feel we love.

Before
After: stripped of wall paper and painted

💡 Tip #2: Replace the Dark, Outdated Countertop

We also replaced the dark green countertop, which made a huge difference in how bright and open the kitchen feels. The new lighter surface instantly modernized the space and tied in beautifully with the fresh paint colour.

Sometimes, the simplest updates—like a new countertop or lighter finishes—can completely transform a room without a full renovation!

Before

✨ Wrap-Up: A Simple Refresh Makes a Big Difference

What started as a dark, dated kitchen quickly became a light, airy, and welcoming space—all with just a few simple updates. By removing the wallpaper, choosing a lighter paint colour for the walls and cabinets, and replacing the old countertop, we completely transformed the look and feel of the room through a cosmetic renovation, not a full remodel.

It’s a great reminder that you don’t always need to start from scratch to get a fresh new look—small changes can have a big impact.

If you’re thinking about refreshing your own kitchen or another space in your home, Lynteriors can help you reimagine what’s possible while keeping your budget in mind.

📞 Let’s chat about how we can bring new life to your space at 4167216217!

Want a Stylish Home Makeover Without Overspending?

Affordable Interior Design Near Aurora, GTA & Toronto – Lynteriors

Sometimes, hiring an affordable interior designer in Aurora—like Lynteriors, who also serves the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Toronto— can actually help you save money in the long run. With professional expertise, you can avoid costly mistakes and gain access to exclusive trade discounts that make your renovation or redecoration far more cost-effective.

Ready to create a home that’s both beautiful and functional—without breaking the bank?
Schedule your free discovery call today and see how homeowners across Aurora, the GTA, and Toronto are saving thousands—without sacrificing style!

Below is an example, of one way to redecorate in a budget friendly way.

Redecorating on a Budget Tip– Transform Your Space by Simply Changing the Layout

Looking to refresh your home without overspending? One of the easiest—and most budget-friendly—ways to redecorate a room is by rethinking its layout. Sometimes, a simple rearrangement of furniture can make your space feel more functional, and completely new, without buying a single extra piece.

Simply Change Your Layout for a Fresh Look

Often, the issue isn’t your furniture—it’s the layout. By moving your existing pieces and adding a few key accents, you can dramatically improve how your room feels and functions.

For example, I recently worked with a couple in a downtown Toronto condo who felt their space just wasn’t working. Their small black sectional had been tucked away in a reading nook, but it felt awkward there and wasn’t getting much use. I suggested moving it into the living room area instead—and that one simple change instantly made the space feel more comfortable and functional for TV nights and entertaining friends.

After with 2 sectionals in living area

A Few Small Changes Made a Big Impact

From there, all they needed was a lighter coffee table, rug, and side table to brighten the room and add convenience. Instead of throwing out the minimalist style sectionals and buying all new seating furniture, we simply re-imagined what they already had—saving them money while still achieving a fresh, inviting look.

How Hiring an Interior Design Consultant Saves You Money

1. Avoid Costly Trial-and-Error Mistakes

Why Experience Matters

An experienced designer helps you get it right the first time—whether it’s choosing the perfect furniture size, selecting cohesive colours, or planning a functional layout, just like I did for this condo. With over 8 years of experience, I create designs that are not only beautiful but also practical, personalized, and perfectly suited to the way you live.

  • No more buying a sofa that doesn’t fit.
  • No more repainting because the colour feels “off.”
  • No more wasted purchases

2. Access Exclusive Trade Discounts

Many designers have access to exclusive furniture, décor, finishes and materials discounts not available to the public. At Lynteriors, we share a substantial portion of these savings with you—helping homeowners in Aurora, Toronto, and the GTA save hundreds, even thousands of dollars.

3. Lower Overhead, More Savings – with a Focus on Homes Only

Because we work from a home-based studio in Aurora, we keep overhead costs low—so more of your budget goes directly into your home design, not unnecessary markups. Plus, we focus exclusively on residential design, ensuring our expertise is tailored to creating stylish, livable homes.

Stay on Budget—Without Sacrificing Style

Stay on Budget—Without Sacrificing Style


At Lynteriors, we design with your budget in mind from day one. That means we help you:

  • Plan your project efficiently
  • Access exclusive, high-quality materials and furnishings at designer trade pricing—so you can enjoy elevated style while stretching your budget further
  • Maximize your return on investment

Ready to Save Thousands on Your Next Project?

Whether you’re in Aurora, the Greater Toronto Area, or Toronto, Lynteriors can help transform your home into a stylish, functional space—while keeping costs in check.

📞 Schedule your free discovery call today and see how much you could save on your next renovation or redecoration project!

My name is Lynn Asbury, an expert interior design consultant, home stager and owner of Lynteriors. I have over 8 years experience renovating, redecorating and stage homes that make homeowners and home buyers say “Wow” every time they walk into each room.

How to Make Your Kitchen Look Bigger Without Removing Walls

3 Interior Design Tips to Make a Kitchen Look or Feel Larger

Want to make your small kitchen feel bigger—without tearing down walls or spending a fortune (especially in today’s economy)? You can absolutely do it with smart design choices in cabinetry, colour schemes, and countertops. With the right design strategies, your tight kitchen can look and feel larger as well as open, airy, and inviting.

Here are 3 design tricks to make your kitchen appear larger:

1. White is Your Best Friend in a Small Kitchen

White isn’t just timeless—it’s also one of the most effective colours for making a kitchen feel bigger than it actually is.

When renovating, paint your walls white and bring white tones into your cabinets, backsplash, ceiling, and even your countertops. When a space is kept within the same colour family, it creates the illusion of a seamless, limitless larger area like in the kitchen in the photo above.

White is also a reflective neutral, which helps bounce light around the room and makes the walls visually recede. To enhance this effect, choose polished or glossy finishes that reflect light even more. In the kitchen shown below, the backsplash and blonde-toned maple countertop both have subtle reflective qualities. Combined with white cabinets, walls, and backsplash—all in similar tones—this creates a unified, airy feel.

Here, the cabinets, wall paint, ceiling, and backsplash share a close colour value—a warm white—so your eye moves effortlessly through the space without being interrupted by harsh contrasts. The result? A small kitchen that feels serene, cohesive, and expansive.

Finally, for depth and interest, use several shades of white and mix in contrasting textures. Recessed-panel cabinets, like the ones featured below, create gentle shadows that add dimension without breaking the flow of light tones.


2. Declutter, Declutter, Declutter

One of the quickest—and most budget-friendly—ways to make your small kitchen feel larger is to clear away the clutter. Below are before and after photos. The before photo colours of the cabinets, wall and countertop makes the kitchen look smaller and all the items on the countertop even more so. The lighter coloured countertop , cabinets and wall plus less counter clutter makes this area of the kitchen appear larger, lighter, more airy and updated.

Keep countertops as open as possible by storing small appliances in cupboards or your pantry. Avoid letting everyday items like mail, keys, and chargers pile up on your counters. Even removing overly decorative pieces, such as ornate handles or busy accessories, can help reduce visual noise.

Crowded countertops not only overwhelm the eye but also rob you of valuable workspace. To create a more spacious look, clear off counters. Then, stash as much as you can neatly behind closed doors.

The result? Your kitchen will instantly feel lighter, more open, larger and more functional—without a single wall being moved.

  • kitchen with forest green countertop, wood cabinets with orange stain


3. Consider Your Sink

When space is tight, every inch of counter space matters—especially around your sink.

A workstation sink with a fitted cutting board (like the one pictured below) is a clever way to instantly extend your prep area without adding more countertops. When you’re finished, simply remove the cutting board to free up sink space again. It’s flexibility and function in the same footprint.

For very compact kitchens, a single-bowl inset sink can also be a smart choice. While it’s smaller, it frees up valuable counter space for everything from chopping vegetables to plating dishes.

In short, you can never have too much workspace—but with a little creativity, you can create the space you need without a major renovation.

A kitchen of any size can feel larger, open and airy if you know the right design tricks. Sticking to white cabinets and walls is a great start to achieving that spacious vibe. With the tips above, you can transform even the smallest kitchen into a space that feels larger, inviting, functional, and visually stunning.

At Lynteriors, we help homeowners in Aurora, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, and surrounding areas create kitchens they truly love. If you’re just starting to plan your kitchen project Lynteriors can guide you every step of the way.

✨ Contact us for your free discovery call today at 416 721 6217and take the first step toward your dream kitchen. Got questions? Drop them in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!

photo of founder of Lynteriors in her office looking at her portfolio.

My name is Lynn Asbury, an expert interior design consultant, home stager and owner of Lynteriors. I have over 8 years experience renovating, redecorating and stage homes that make homeowners and home buyers say “Wow” every time they walk into each room.