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
Let's Be Honest

Just an Update, Please

Itching for a change but not up for a complete overhaul?

We can do that!

Pillow Talk:

These pillows and coordinating blanket lived a good life.  However, they were fraying, lumpy, and starting to show it.  A quick visit to Homegoods, and I found some cheerful, but inexpensive, new friends.  For bedrooms and living rooms that need something fresh, consider pillows or a new throw.

Add Color:

I love the blues in my family room but wanted an update that didn’t require a paintbrush, ladder, moving furniture . . . basic upheaval, so I looked across the color wheel.  All colors have a natural complementary color that you can determine by looking at the color opposite your existing color on a color wheel.

If you’re alarmed by what you find, remember the plethora of shades that color represents.  For example, I do NOT have fond feelings toward crayon orange (the color opposite blue on the color wheel), but I wouldn’t mind a cheerful coral coming to visit.  A few inexpensive accessories in this new color give the room a little more punch.

Shade It:

Consider a new lamp shade.  Rarely touched, a lamp shade can function for a long time and go unnoticed.  Consequently, these are often the accessories that most “age” a room.  A new lamp is a great option too, but if it’s in good shape, just change the shade.  [Note:  Know which kind of shade your lamp accepts BEFORE you go shopping.  (ie. a harp, spider, clip-on, etc.) It will save you lots of frustration.]

Let There Be Light:

While we’re on the subject, adjusting the lighting can have an enormous impact on a room.  Is there a spot that always feels dark or, on the other end, too garish?  Change out the light bulb for something crisper or softer than what you currently have.  There are even light bulbs that have a dimmer switch (right on the bulb, so nothing to install!) for rooms that require task and mood lighting.

Bring In Nature:

Have you read the studies that suggest people who consistently spend 30 minutes outside live happier lives?  I think nature speaks to a primal need for beauty etched on our souls.  A simple bouquet of flowers–real or quality artificials–have a surprising capacity to evoke happiness.  If you have a Trader Joe’s nearby, they usually have beautiful flowers and plants at very reasonable prices.

Need Something Free?

Try editing.  I’m AMAZED at how subtly but surely, stuff begets stuff!  You were just going to leave it there until you found a better place . . ..  Soon, the pieces and views we do enjoy are lost in the clutter.  So, clear out that pile that gathered in the corner.  Put away that off-season item you don’t need for the next several months.  Consider what accessories or pieces of furniture you’re just tired of or that always seems in the way.  Pass them on to another happy home or put it away for a bit.  (If you’re not sure if you can part with something, put it out of sight and set a reminder on your phone for 6 months later.  Did you miss it?)  Removing visual clutter gives your eye and your mind “breathing room.”

Take a cue from Fixer Upper and put simple stems from the yard in a collection of glass bottles or in one large vessel.  I live in the desert and can still find something that works.

When we make wise and considered design choices, we will love our surroundings for a long time.  However, a few small adjustments now and then keep a space feeling fresh and current and bring new life to the features that have been around a while and need to stay a while ;-).

 

 

Photo Credits: Construction (top)–Milivoj Kuhar on Unsplash;  Color Wheel–Public Domain Stock Photo; Lamp–Samule Sun on Unsplash; Pink Flowers–Magdalena Raczka on Unsplash; Leaf–Sarah Dorweiler on Unsplash

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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