My Article in the Democrat and Chronicle
October 25, 2008
I think the best way to start your decorating challenge is to ask yourself, How do I want to feel when I am in this room? Is the answer calm, relaxed, invigorated, energized, unique, warm and cozy . . and the list goes on. These adjectives will help you start with a color pallete for your room. For instance, if someone wanted to feel cool and calm, earth tones mixed with blues and greens would create that serene natural "spa-like" feeling. Whatever you choose in color will give you a good foundation on what to search for when choosing furniture and accessories. From there, add things that have meaning.
In my home I have taken this very same approach to personalize my space. All of the artwork in my home is of various digital pictures I have taken, blown up and framed. They vary in subject matter however most of them are architectural elements on buildings and nature scenes. It allows me to remember the story behind each location where the picture was taken, who I was with and what happened on the trip.
In my entrance way, I have my grandmothers' trunks from the 1920's that remind me of her, her journey to the US and my heritage.
In my bedroom, I used an old mahogany toned window frame I found and hung it above my bed. I attached 2 simple clear glass hanging wall vases on it with fresh flowers in them. My bed is modern and so are my lamps and other accessories.
Many clients enjoy collecting artwork and accessories such as rugs and furniture from their travels around the county and world. This creates interest and a story every time someone stops by.
Taking something you find on the side of the road, a garage sale or a family piece, and updating it through paint or other decorative elements is a great way to make it more personal. When you literally put your personal touch on it, the item becomes more personal and reflective of you. Personal design should not drain your bank account .
The pictures in my hallway for instance are a great example. At a local discount store, I found Black picture frames with a double white matte on them. It was a 14 x 18 frame that held a 11 x 14 picture, for $6.99. I went to Kinko's with my laptop and printed off some color photos on 11 x 17 paper on their color laser printer. Each framed Print cost me $10.00. And the story of the trip and the memories are much more meaningful than any store bought art or picture.
Here are a few tips / summary:
* Use color to create a mood, warmer darker colors are cozy, while cooler neutral colors are more calming.
* Frame your child (children's) art work. (Kids will be proud of their achievements and it gets it off of the refrigerator.)
* Frame digital prints you have taken on a trip. You can replace or add to this collection on future trips for little cost.
* Repaint old furniture (found furniture) with a modern color to create that modern-vintage inspired look
* Create your own shadow box by finding an old window frame. Cut a piece of cardboard out for the back. Pin, glue or tape a collection of small personal items you have collected over time. Put the window frame over it and staple the cardboard to the back. Attach a picture hanger to the back and hang on the wall.
