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When I look back on 2022, it kind of feels like it was the year of Instagram reels. I mean, when I posted the first reel in my series of “10 finishes that will immediately date your new build” I had no idea how viral it would become! I gained thousands of Instagram followers from this series alone and I hope that I saved you from some colour mistakes with your new build or home renovation. 

But I wanted to celebrate ALL my most liked, shared, saved or viral reels from 2022 here with you again… maybe you missed one of them? Let’s take another look back at 2022:

10.  New Home Tour

Looking back at this video from October is kind of surreal. Sooooooo much has changed around our new home (aptly called Timeless Acres). I’m so glad I captured this as a reminder of how much we’ve completed in our reno project since then. If you missed it, check out the living room, then watch this timelapse. Pretty amazing! 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Maria Killam (@mariakillam)

9. The best place to add personality to your home

This was the most viral episode from my series titled, “10 Ways to Screw Up Your Renovation” and I think it’s because we all have thought this about our home. It’s one of my favourite messages because it frees you from thinking you have to LOVE everything that goes into your home.

There’s a place for adding personality… and it isn’t in the places that you would have to completely replace when you wanted to make a change. 

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Maria Killam (@mariakillam)

8. Backsplash Tile and Surround Tile

It’s kind of funny that this one is next. It’s another reminder to make timeless choices with your hard finishes and save your creativity for decorating. So many people think the backsplash or surround tile in your shower is where you need to be creative and that simply isn’t true. That is, if you want to love your home forever.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Maria Killam (@mariakillam)

7. Save money on your new build with this HOT tip!

If you’ve been around here a while, you probably already know how I feel about recessed lighting (aka cheese lights). And I loved seeing that so many of you agree. Sure, there’s a place for them in the kitchen, but in your living room? Lamps are prettier lighting all around.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Maria Killam (@mariakillam)

6. Just because you love it, doesn’t mean it will all work out

Again, raise your hand if you’ve ever heard this advice, “Pick what you like/love and it’ll all work out.” Most of you know, this advice just isn’t helpful.

This reel captured a moment from my Specify Colour with Confidence live, virtual workshop this past spring where I teach homeowners and design professionals how to decorate with colour, identify neutral undertones so you can pull hard and soft finishes together in a room, and so much more! Enroll here

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Maria Killam (@mariakillam)

5. 5 Things I would never do as a colour expert

Around the time of this reel, there was a trend of people talking about 5 things they would NEVER do as a ______ . So I jumped in with 5 things I would never do as a colour expert. This short video is jam-packed with some of my BEST colour advice! 

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Maria Killam (@mariakillam)

4. Granite or Quartz?

Choosing countertops isn’t easy and often it sets the “foundation white palette” for the rest of your hard and soft finishes in your new build or renovation project. That’s why it should be one of the FIRST decisions you make in a kitchen project. And, I’m often asked why I love quartz more than granite. This video explains it all.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Maria Killam (@mariakillam)

3. The black and white trend in 2022

This video was fun to make! And you all enjoyed seeing black and white argue over dominance in home decor. 🤣 All sarcasm aside, this video still makes a good point about too much black in your finishes and decor, but in a fun way!

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Maria Killam (@mariakillam)

2. 5 Timeless Floor Tiles

Choosing floor tile is hard! And while it seems like there are gobs of options in the showrooms, there are really only a FEW selections that will help you create a timeless new build or renovation. See what they are in this video.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Maria Killam (@mariakillam)

1. 10 finishes that will date your new build: part 1

This video went completely viral this past summer. Right now it’s at over 2.7 million views (and counting). I was thrilled that so many of you discovered my Instagram account shortly after!

Here’s the thing… installing a grey or taupe flooring TODAY is going to date your home. And unfortunately, it’s the most mainstream floor finish found in most big box stores – so it’s easy to accidentally make this choice.

But, if you are making floor choices for your new build or renovation right now, this video will help guide you to more timeless floor colours. 

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Maria Killam (@mariakillam)

So, what did you think? Were there any surprises on the list? How many of you found me because video #1 made it into your Instagram feed? 

I’m planning to share a lot more colour advice with you in short videos on my Instagram and longer versions on my YouTube channel. These videos are like mini lessons with my advice split up into snack-sized pieces. So make sure you are subscribed to both places so you don’t miss anything! 

Related posts:

Danger: Free Advice will Sabotage your Expensive Renovation

Danger: Your Designer has Left the Building

Danger: The First 24 Hours after You’ve Taken Possession

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3 Comments

  • Such a great summary of design tips! I loved the Black vs White video, so super cute when “colour” ran in and out! Bravo!!

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  • Tina says:

    Wonderful, Maria, I just love to watch your colour and decorating advice on video. I must now join your YouTube videos. Good luck with the Reno and I look forward to seeing your beautiful new home transform. I wish the three of you a very happy and successful new year.

    1
  • Dana says:

    Such great advice! Thanks for putting all of this in one place. So helpful!

    1

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