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Home Tours
The Bright BC Home That Will Have You Thinking Over the Rainbow This Holiday Season
December 1, 2018
Colour Expert Maria Killam likes to take her work home with her. As a decorator and the founder and CEO of The System for Specifying Colour (a trademarked guideline to understanding undertones), she requires more than basic beige. That's why she re-invigorated the once-beige Yarrow, BC home she shares with her wife, using high-impact colour combos. They pack a bright punch year-round, especially during the holidays – trust us, you'll be adding sunny yellow to your scheme after seeing this space.
Home Tours
The Bright BC Home That Will Have You Thinking Over the Rainbow This Holiday Season
December 1, 2018
Colour Expert Maria Killam likes to take her work home with her. As a decorator and the founder and CEO of The System for Specifying Colour (a trademarked guideline to understanding undertones), she requires more than basic beige. That's why she re-invigorated the once-beige Yarrow, BC home she shares with her wife, using high-impact colour combos. They pack a bright punch year-round, especially during the holidays – trust us, you'll be adding sunny yellow to your scheme after seeing this space.
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Lemons and Limes
1/22Lemons and Limes
1/22Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
This resolutely bright front entrance speaks to Maria's passion for colour, especially zesty hues of green and yellow. These are repeated throughout the house, but for those lacking colour confidence, a zingy-hued front door (like this one) is a great way to experiment with dramatic palette choices. We like how Maria complemented the bold acid green of the door with the softer green tones in this rug from HomeSense. The takeaway? Variations of the same tone – from intense to muted – always go together. We also love the eye-catching high-low gallery wall, which features pages taken from a illustrated book and presented in white IKEA frames. A simple door wreath is festive and lets the colour shine.Home ToursThe Bright BC Home That Will Have You Thinking Over the Rainbow This Holiday SeasonLemons and Limes
PHOTO 1 of 22READ LESS -This resolutely bright front entrance speaks to Maria's passion for colour, especially zesty hues of green and yellow. These are repeated throughout the house, but for those lacking colour confidence, a zingy-hued front door (like this one) is a great way to experiment with dramatic palette choices. We like how Maria complemented the bold acid green of the door with the softer green tones in this rug from HomeSense. The takeaway? Variations of the same tone – from intense to muted – always go together. We also love the eye-catching high-low gallery wall, which features pages taken from a illustrated book and presented in white IKEA frames. A simple door wreath is festive and lets the colour shine.Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
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Bold and Beautiful
2/22Bold and Beautiful
2/22Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
The energy of the bright entryway extends itself to the living room where a riot of colour and pattern dazzles. What's most interesting among all these fresh shades however is the unexpected black and white rug. Maria had originally chosen one with yellow, green and beige stripes, but when she put it in place, it lost its vigor. "I learned something that day," she says. "Crisp, bright colours really sing with the addition of black and white." The rug's floral pattern is nicely echoed in the cheery artwork from Anita Lindblom of Vancouver Island's Bluedot Art Studio.Home ToursThe Bright BC Home That Will Have You Thinking Over the Rainbow This Holiday SeasonBold and Beautiful
PHOTO 2 of 22READ LESS -The energy of the bright entryway extends itself to the living room where a riot of colour and pattern dazzles. What's most interesting among all these fresh shades however is the unexpected black and white rug. Maria had originally chosen one with yellow, green and beige stripes, but when she put it in place, it lost its vigor. "I learned something that day," she says. "Crisp, bright colours really sing with the addition of black and white." The rug's floral pattern is nicely echoed in the cheery artwork from Anita Lindblom of Vancouver Island's Bluedot Art Studio.Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
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In the Pink
3/22In the Pink
3/22Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
There is something resolutely daring and imaginative about dressing two adjacent sets of large windows with raspberry-pink drapes – a high-impact alternative to neutral. Maria's choice of this berry hue packs a bold punch and, while the drapery is in place year round, it feels especially fun and festive during the holidays. Repeating it in wrapping paper, ribbons and fresh flowers creates a curated Christmas feel. We like the addition of the carved wall hanging (a Winners find) both for its powerhouse pattern and the way it subtly demarcates the living room.Home ToursThe Bright BC Home That Will Have You Thinking Over the Rainbow This Holiday SeasonIn the Pink
PHOTO 3 of 22READ LESS -There is something resolutely daring and imaginative about dressing two adjacent sets of large windows with raspberry-pink drapes – a high-impact alternative to neutral. Maria's choice of this berry hue packs a bold punch and, while the drapery is in place year round, it feels especially fun and festive during the holidays. Repeating it in wrapping paper, ribbons and fresh flowers creates a curated Christmas feel. We like the addition of the carved wall hanging (a Winners find) both for its powerhouse pattern and the way it subtly demarcates the living room.Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
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Bright Ideas
4/22Bright Ideas
4/22Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
A masterclass in mixing vibrantly hot and sunny colours, this space still has a nuanced elegance thanks to Maria's palette savvy, which she happily shared with us. "To keep a colourful room sophisticated rather than bohemian, I suggest using a maximum of three colours and mixing them with neutrals like black, brown and white." The various tones keep the eye moving, as does the playful placement of holiday decor throughout.Home ToursThe Bright BC Home That Will Have You Thinking Over the Rainbow This Holiday SeasonBright Ideas
PHOTO 4 of 22READ LESS -A masterclass in mixing vibrantly hot and sunny colours, this space still has a nuanced elegance thanks to Maria's palette savvy, which she happily shared with us. "To keep a colourful room sophisticated rather than bohemian, I suggest using a maximum of three colours and mixing them with neutrals like black, brown and white." The various tones keep the eye moving, as does the playful placement of holiday decor throughout.Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
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Sunny Breaks
5/22Sunny Breaks
5/22Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
This showstopper tree stands in Maria's family room and the space embraces the design adage of using what you have – in this case, her childhood collection of National Geographic magazines, artfully stacked on the shelves flanking the fireplace. It's a small but cohesive detail that creates stylish continuity with the yellows in the living and dining area.Home ToursThe Bright BC Home That Will Have You Thinking Over the Rainbow This Holiday SeasonSunny Breaks
PHOTO 5 of 22READ LESS -This showstopper tree stands in Maria's family room and the space embraces the design adage of using what you have – in this case, her childhood collection of National Geographic magazines, artfully stacked on the shelves flanking the fireplace. It's a small but cohesive detail that creates stylish continuity with the yellows in the living and dining area.Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
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Nuts About Colour
6/22Nuts About Colour
6/22Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
The deliciously pink nutcracker, a gift to Maria from her sister, plays up the raspberry of the living room's drapery. The gift boxes are decorative and are neutral enough to lend themselves to any colour scheme.Home ToursThe Bright BC Home That Will Have You Thinking Over the Rainbow This Holiday SeasonNuts About Colour
PHOTO 6 of 22READ LESS -The deliciously pink nutcracker, a gift to Maria from her sister, plays up the raspberry of the living room's drapery. The gift boxes are decorative and are neutral enough to lend themselves to any colour scheme.Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
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Hearth and Home
7/22Hearth and Home
7/22Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
Maria's skill of mashing up monochromatic neutrals with lively splashes of colour is on display in the living room's fireplace. The succulent shades and the generous abundance of cascading garland come to life against a mostly white backdrop. White stockings further ensure the garland remains the star of the show. The bits of traditional dark green and red hues are infused with splashes of lime, pink and yellow for an original and bright take on holiday decor.Home ToursThe Bright BC Home That Will Have You Thinking Over the Rainbow This Holiday SeasonHearth and Home
PHOTO 7 of 22READ LESS -Maria's skill of mashing up monochromatic neutrals with lively splashes of colour is on display in the living room's fireplace. The succulent shades and the generous abundance of cascading garland come to life against a mostly white backdrop. White stockings further ensure the garland remains the star of the show. The bits of traditional dark green and red hues are infused with splashes of lime, pink and yellow for an original and bright take on holiday decor.Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
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A Holiday Pairing
8/22A Holiday Pairing
8/22Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
"You can never go wrong with wreaths and garlands at Christmas!" says Maria. "They come out every year, and even if I consider a different type of decor for my fireplaces, these two elements always strike the perfect note." This garland in the family room exudes warmth with the addition of breezy orange bulbs and metallic gold accents. The wreath and garland pairing is a great idea to copy too, especially in a small space where it can take the place of a tree and still feel fun and festive.Home ToursThe Bright BC Home That Will Have You Thinking Over the Rainbow This Holiday SeasonA Holiday Pairing
PHOTO 8 of 22READ LESS -"You can never go wrong with wreaths and garlands at Christmas!" says Maria. "They come out every year, and even if I consider a different type of decor for my fireplaces, these two elements always strike the perfect note." This garland in the family room exudes warmth with the addition of breezy orange bulbs and metallic gold accents. The wreath and garland pairing is a great idea to copy too, especially in a small space where it can take the place of a tree and still feel fun and festive.Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
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Tone on Tone
9/22Tone on Tone
9/22Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
A punchy alternative to trad red and green can be found by exploring the colour wheel. Here, variations of lime green and deep pink conjure up holiday charm in an unexpected way. Glittery touches help anchor the classic feel.Home ToursThe Bright BC Home That Will Have You Thinking Over the Rainbow This Holiday SeasonTone on Tone
PHOTO 9 of 22READ LESS -A punchy alternative to trad red and green can be found by exploring the colour wheel. Here, variations of lime green and deep pink conjure up holiday charm in an unexpected way. Glittery touches help anchor the classic feel.Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
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Perfect Complement
10/22Perfect Complement
10/22Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
Not sure what your holiday colour scheme should be this year? Look to your furnishings! A sunflower-yellow cushion and fresh green throw on a white Barcelona chair are perfectly complemented in the fireplace garland for cool cohesion. Bonus: the chair, cushion and throw are year-round beauties that don't have to be packed away after the holidays.Home ToursThe Bright BC Home That Will Have You Thinking Over the Rainbow This Holiday SeasonPerfect Complement
PHOTO 10 of 22READ LESS -Not sure what your holiday colour scheme should be this year? Look to your furnishings! A sunflower-yellow cushion and fresh green throw on a white Barcelona chair are perfectly complemented in the fireplace garland for cool cohesion. Bonus: the chair, cushion and throw are year-round beauties that don't have to be packed away after the holidays.Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
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Whimsical Delight
11/22Whimsical Delight
11/22Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
Even the most jaded Scrooge would be taken with this tree. Variations of three strong colours – bright green, orange and pink – have high-impact appeal that's tempered with jewelled flashes of gold and judicious pops of white (a nod both to winter and the decor). The mix feels dramatic and fresh and inspires tree-trimming reassessment. Who wouldn't want their tree to look this lively?Home ToursThe Bright BC Home That Will Have You Thinking Over the Rainbow This Holiday SeasonWhimsical Delight
PHOTO 11 of 22READ LESS -Even the most jaded Scrooge would be taken with this tree. Variations of three strong colours – bright green, orange and pink – have high-impact appeal that's tempered with jewelled flashes of gold and judicious pops of white (a nod both to winter and the decor). The mix feels dramatic and fresh and inspires tree-trimming reassessment. Who wouldn't want their tree to look this lively?Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
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Golden Touch
12/22Golden Touch
12/22Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
Reflective and glittery ornaments in all shapes and sizes fend off the formulaic. The mix of scale is cheery and allows for some breathing space between styles.Home ToursThe Bright BC Home That Will Have You Thinking Over the Rainbow This Holiday SeasonGolden Touch
PHOTO 12 of 22READ LESS -Reflective and glittery ornaments in all shapes and sizes fend off the formulaic. The mix of scale is cheery and allows for some breathing space between styles.Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
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Raspberry Season
13/22Raspberry Season
13/22Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
"In a nod to the raspberry living room drapes, I placed this wreath in the family room and added more pinks along with orange in the Christmas decorations," says Maria. "You can see how keeping strong colours in the same value (or saturation) lets them co-exist happily." Indeed – it also forms great continuity, a hallmark of good design, whether for the holidays or year-round.Home ToursThe Bright BC Home That Will Have You Thinking Over the Rainbow This Holiday SeasonRaspberry Season
PHOTO 13 of 22READ LESS -"In a nod to the raspberry living room drapes, I placed this wreath in the family room and added more pinks along with orange in the Christmas decorations," says Maria. "You can see how keeping strong colours in the same value (or saturation) lets them co-exist happily." Indeed – it also forms great continuity, a hallmark of good design, whether for the holidays or year-round.Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
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Get Back
14/22Get Back
14/22Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
While there are so many engaging details to savour here, we can't help but zoom in on the playful treatment of the dining chairs. The mix of masculine striped backs and sunny yellow seats makes these a cool focal point. And there's more! The ones facing the table have white and black polka-dotted backs for further pattern play. The materials are also ingenious: wipeable leather seats - a boon for dining chairs - and just a small amount of fabric for the back which means you can splurge here as square inches are scarce.Home ToursThe Bright BC Home That Will Have You Thinking Over the Rainbow This Holiday SeasonGet Back
PHOTO 14 of 22READ LESS -While there are so many engaging details to savour here, we can't help but zoom in on the playful treatment of the dining chairs. The mix of masculine striped backs and sunny yellow seats makes these a cool focal point. And there's more! The ones facing the table have white and black polka-dotted backs for further pattern play. The materials are also ingenious: wipeable leather seats - a boon for dining chairs - and just a small amount of fabric for the back which means you can splurge here as square inches are scarce.Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
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The Table is Set
15/22The Table is Set
15/22Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
A walnut-coloured Parsons-inspired table anchors the dining room and its straight lines are a strong foil to the chairs' curved backs and curled legs. A crystal pendant light softly illuminates without interfering with sight lines.Home ToursThe Bright BC Home That Will Have You Thinking Over the Rainbow This Holiday SeasonThe Table is Set
PHOTO 15 of 22READ LESS -A walnut-coloured Parsons-inspired table anchors the dining room and its straight lines are a strong foil to the chairs' curved backs and curled legs. A crystal pendant light softly illuminates without interfering with sight lines.Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
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Shining Example
16/22Shining Example
16/22Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
Maria ensured that the gorgeous pendant light was installed with a dimmer switch and hung so that its glow was reflected in the mirror – a great tip for creating ambience. She added a square wreath to the window (a cheap-and-cheerful supermarket purchase) as contrast to the room's round accessories.Home ToursThe Bright BC Home That Will Have You Thinking Over the Rainbow This Holiday SeasonShining Example
PHOTO 16 of 22READ LESS -Maria ensured that the gorgeous pendant light was installed with a dimmer switch and hung so that its glow was reflected in the mirror – a great tip for creating ambience. She added a square wreath to the window (a cheap-and-cheerful supermarket purchase) as contrast to the room's round accessories.Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
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Personal Touch
17/22Personal Touch
17/22Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
A handwritten place card in a bulb is a simple touch that yields impressive results – who doesn't love a personalized setting? We like how even Maria's plates echo the decor, specifically the living room's black and white area rug.Home ToursThe Bright BC Home That Will Have You Thinking Over the Rainbow This Holiday SeasonPersonal Touch
PHOTO 17 of 22READ LESS -A handwritten place card in a bulb is a simple touch that yields impressive results – who doesn't love a personalized setting? We like how even Maria's plates echo the decor, specifically the living room's black and white area rug.Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
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A Beautiful Buffet
18/22A Beautiful Buffet
18/22Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
Painted white, this second-hand buffet looks brand new and is a pristine perch for holiday flowers and drinks. Maria created a snowy effect here by adding a white feathery boa. The tabletop has ideas to spare: from the single stems in bud vases (a wallet-friendly bouquet alternative) to the store-bought chocolates removed from the packaging and elevated with elegant plating. The greens and yellows are in sync with the decor for further visual impact.Home ToursThe Bright BC Home That Will Have You Thinking Over the Rainbow This Holiday SeasonA Beautiful Buffet
PHOTO 18 of 22READ LESS -Painted white, this second-hand buffet looks brand new and is a pristine perch for holiday flowers and drinks. Maria created a snowy effect here by adding a white feathery boa. The tabletop has ideas to spare: from the single stems in bud vases (a wallet-friendly bouquet alternative) to the store-bought chocolates removed from the packaging and elevated with elegant plating. The greens and yellows are in sync with the decor for further visual impact.Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
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Recipe for Success
19/22Recipe for Success
19/22Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
Holiday decor needn't end at the Christmas tree. We like the way Maria subtly layered in festive touches in her snowy white kitchen. A silver ornament and potted fir tree are easy ways to create cheery continuity without overpowering a practical work space. The fir is also a stylish complement to the kitchen's year-round green accessories.Home ToursThe Bright BC Home That Will Have You Thinking Over the Rainbow This Holiday SeasonRecipe for Success
PHOTO 19 of 22READ LESS -Holiday decor needn't end at the Christmas tree. We like the way Maria subtly layered in festive touches in her snowy white kitchen. A silver ornament and potted fir tree are easy ways to create cheery continuity without overpowering a practical work space. The fir is also a stylish complement to the kitchen's year-round green accessories.Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
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Green Christmas
20/22Green Christmas
20/22Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
Simple greens, whether snipped from the backyard or purchased, strike the right holiday note in the kitchen. Placing them in a kitchen container, like this white pitcher, creates a casual air with informal charm.Home ToursThe Bright BC Home That Will Have You Thinking Over the Rainbow This Holiday SeasonGreen Christmas
PHOTO 20 of 22READ LESS -Simple greens, whether snipped from the backyard or purchased, strike the right holiday note in the kitchen. Placing them in a kitchen container, like this white pitcher, creates a casual air with informal charm.Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
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Bench Mark
21/22Bench Mark
21/22Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
We defy you not to fall in love with this custom-made leather bench. Fitted with practical leather and finished with handsome nail-head details, it is a stylish focal point. It's also Maria's favourite spot for morning coffee (it has a view to the garden). The Santa boots are a sweet nod to the season.Home ToursThe Bright BC Home That Will Have You Thinking Over the Rainbow This Holiday SeasonBench Mark
PHOTO 21 of 22READ LESS -We defy you not to fall in love with this custom-made leather bench. Fitted with practical leather and finished with handsome nail-head details, it is a stylish focal point. It's also Maria's favourite spot for morning coffee (it has a view to the garden). The Santa boots are a sweet nod to the season.Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
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Sugar and Spice
22/22Sugar and Spice
22/22Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
Traditional gingerbread houses are right at home among Maria's non-traditional colour scheme. "Colour is happy! I believe in colour all year round and love the extra notes of sparkle and shine during the holidays."Home ToursThe Bright BC Home That Will Have You Thinking Over the Rainbow This Holiday SeasonSugar and Spice
PHOTO 22 of 22READ LESS -Traditional gingerbread houses are right at home among Maria's non-traditional colour scheme. "Colour is happy! I believe in colour all year round and love the extra notes of sparkle and shine during the holidays."Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
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