Design 101

Clever Height

Height:  highest point, crowning moment, culminating point . . .

Height is an often missed opportunity when decorating.  It is space most of us have more of (and who doesn’t need more of that?) but usually forget is there.

In this example, elevating the plant takes it from ordinary to celebrated.   Practically, it leaves a  spot for a good book, during one of those relaxing bubble baths we all dream about. Sigh.

 

This collection of bath sundries looks cluttered in the first arrangement.  Corralling these items on a pedestal looks more cohesive, frees up coveted counter space, and is easier clean, all while keeping necessities within reach.

Do you have unused space above a bookshelf or cabinet?  Originally, I placed the large metal tile and oval mirror above the bookshelf simply for storage, while they were in between landing spots.  However, I grew attached to them there and how they took advantage of the high ceilings, so I’ve only added to the display.

Hang curtains higher than the window’s top to draw the eye upward and add height to a room.   Most floor-length curtain panels are 84 or 95 inches (with 108″ and 120″ available on more specialized sites).  When buying new curtains, measure the distance between the top of your window and the floor, and purchase the next size up.  To determine where to mount the rod, place it above the top of the window at the height which allows the bottom of the curtain to just dust the floor.

 

I consistently have more treasures than I have landing spots.  Surely, I’m not the only one.

Height to the rescue!

So, go ahead, use that highest point to be your crowning moment and culminating point.

 

[A note about dust:  For some of you, dust killed this design principle before you made it to the second paragraph.  To you I say, first, life is short.  Might as well let your meaningful possessions be a part of your everyday life, even if that means you have to step on a chair to dust, once in a blue moon.  Secondly, I’m highly allergic to dust and have learned from many a sinus infection:  The primary issue with dust is not it’s existence (which can never be entirely avoided), but the stirring up of dust.  So, make peace with it.  Who can see it all the way up there anyway?]

Forest photo by ANGELA BENITO on Unsplash
Design 101

Where in the World Do I Begin?

Designing can be overwhelming:  so many choices, styles, and input, and the only certainty is that your space isn’t “there” yet.

Add to this, most aren’t starting with a clean slate or an unlimited budget.  We still need to “play nice” with our current motley collection.  So, where in the world do we start?

Brainstorming.

How do you want to feel in your home?   What do you want to think when you open the door?

Grab a sheet of paper (or device, whatever), and note anything that comes to mind as you ponder these two questions.

Clean, warm, modern, vintage, traveled, studied, nature, architectural, cottage, the beach, history, family, mountain retreat, relaxation, poetic, industrial, witty, layered, textured, soft, fun, glamorous . . . ?  What concepts or images come to mind?

What is it about a friend’s house, favorite decor shop, or restaurant that makes you feel as if you could spend hours there? Can you pull out an adjective or characteristic? Do this all at once or add to it over time.  When your ideas seem complete, review your list and circle the three or four that stand out to you. Which concepts best capture the look and feel you’d like to experience in your home?

These are your guiding themes.

When you make a purchase or when you de-clutter, use these themes to filter your decisions.  For example, “Is this lamp colorful, simple, or does it add whimsy to the room?”  If you like a variety of styles, it might be helpful to limit your description pool to one room at a time.  (ie.  I want my family room to have a more casual farmhouse style compared to my dining room, where I’d like some touches of glamour.)

 One Step Further . . .

Can you sum up your style with a phrase?   A memorable phrase allows you to carry the concept with you at all times, guiding as you go.

For example, my cousin decided the phrase that captures her style best is “Elegant Nature.”  Throughout her home, rich colors and regal finishes combine with organic beauty:  deep reds and greens clothe walls, brightened by gilded chandeliers.  The natural stone fireplace, wood floors, and animal-inspired accessories bring the loveliness of nature inside.  It’s beautiful, and, most importantly, it’s her.

What words best reflect what you want to experience in your home?

 

Photo Credits:  All but noted photos are from Unsplash.com; (from Left to Right & Top to Bottom) Hello I’m Nick, Averie Woodard, (mine), Jilbert Ebrahimi, Erol Ahmed, Dino Reichmuth, Chris Lawton, Jason Briscoe, Freddie Martyn, Brandon Mowink, Landon Martin, Davide Cantelli, Tom Podmore, Aaron Burden, James Pond, Jachan DeVol
Design 101

Design with Longevity: Part 3

You’ve heard how a brand new car loses tremendous value the minute it leaves the lot?  In the same way, we don’t want rooms that are just months from showing their “design age” either.  How do we create them?

Authenticity, Functionality, and Relevance

Our focus today is Relevance.

We’ve had  many new people in our home over the last few months, and imagining our space through their eyes has given me fresh perspective.  For example, I’ve grown increasingly aware of a few stuffed animals that arrived circa the toddler years.   A special bunny given to my daughter happened to match our family room and eventually became part of the decor.  Likewise, a souvenir teddy bear made our living spaces welcoming for our youngest visitors.  Fast forward to years that house a teenager and a preteen (and the visitors who have also aged), and it’s just weird.  –Because, it’s not relevant anymore.

To create a space that is relevant, ask, does your current design support your season of life?  Not just functionally (the principle of the previous post) but stylistically?  Is your home evolving with you?

So, where do trends fit?

In this series, it might seem like I’ve painted trends as the bad guys in design.  Not my intention.  Rather,

I believe good design is inspired by trends, not held hostage by them.

We should pick and choose among the ever-changing flood of trends those that suit us  rather than worrying that our home looks “SO last year” because it doesn’t have a (insert latest “must-have” here.)  Remember, most trends are just ingenious marketing efforts–and that revolving door will keep on spinning!

When Joanna Gaines brought southern charms to mainstream decor my heart went pitter-patter.  Cotton stems available at Wal-mart?  It’s Christmas for this displaced Southerner!  But Southern elements will always be relevant for me because of my heritage—no matter what’s trending.

So, if there’s a trend you love, add an element to your space–just avoid the complete overhaul that will eventually date your room like Disney’s Carousel of Progress!

(Arnel Hasanovic on Unsplash)

Practically, I see two approaches:

  1.  Keep a room feeling up to date with on-trend accessories.  Accessories are usually inexpensive and easily replaceable when you tire of them.  Changing just a few notable accessories (a pillow, a vase, a picture, etc.) can give an entire room a more current look.
  2. Fall in love with a statement piece?  Go for it! –If you’re at peace replacing it in 3-5 years or you know that it soooo captures your personal style, it will be timeless to you.  For most of us, that means NOT choosing trendy materials for anything that requires a contractor and remodeling dust–like tile, counter tops, or fixtures.  However, the area rug that pulls the whole room together but will likely be worn about the time I’m getting tired of it anyway (thank you, messy people who live with me), absolutely!

Our homes should include elements that prove we actually live and move in the outside word, but

filter trends through authenticity and season of life to remain relevant.

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