When I’m scrolling through Pinterest or a magazine, I love features that show you how to pull together a fabulous outfit. I think it’s in my DNA: My parents owned a clothing store in my hometown of Atchison, Kan. When I was little, Mom and Dad let me steam clothes and make the bows for gift-wrapped packages. When I was old enough, I finally got to hit the sales floor and start helping customers create outfits that looked sensational. I loved every minute of it. And today I’m lucky to still be doing work I love, now helping friends and customers create a well-dressed home. Just as you need a few key pieces to make a great outfit, I’ve found there are five essential ingredients of a well-dressed room:
1. WALL COLOR THAT SETS THE MOOD
Wall color sets the tone for your entire space, creating the ambiance. Right now, we are seeing a trend toward both light, bright wall colors and deep, rich shades. White and cream — timeless classics — are showing up big. We are also seeing lots of our customers gravitating toward subtle shades of their favorite colors, like pale blues. On the other end of the spectrum, moody colors like moss green, dark teal and navy are also making a splash, as is statement-making wallpaper. When selecting a color scheme for your room, don’t forget your ceiling. One of my favorite looks right now is to paint the ceiling a clear, rich color, then leave the walls white or cream. You get a splash of saturated color, yet still have a neutral palette to play with.
2. INTERESTING LIGHT FIXTURES
No longer are light fixtures just functional additions to a room. Today’s lamps and fixtures are so striking they can be the star of the show. No doubt, well-chosen lighting can completely change a room.
I love to cut corners when I can, saving precious dollars in my decorating budget for my splurge items, but light fixtures are just one of those places where you get what you pay for. When you invest in great lamps, chandeliers and pendants, it shows. If your spaces have lackluster lighting, I would encourage you to begin upgrading and get the best lights your budget will allow. You’ll be happy in the end because the lighting will take your space to the next level.
3. A MIX OF FABRICS
Speaking of cheating, you can find decorating fabrics that allow you to get a big look for a minimal investment. If you are on a budget when decorating your spaces, this is where you can cut corners without sacrificing the look of your room.
One tip is to pick a modest fabric for your bedding, drapes or upholstered furniture, perhaps a solid or a subtle pattern, then give it a great story with an interesting trim or contrasting welt. Or, invest in one killer fabric and use it to make a pillow for your sofa or bed, then fill in with others that are made from less expensive fabrics. When picking the fabrics for your home, try using a variety of patterns, colors and textures to make your rooms more interesting and unique.
4. ARRESTING ARTWORK
One of the biggest mistakes I see people make when they invest in decorating their homes is to fill a room with great furnishings, then leave the walls blank. As a result, the room falls flat with a big thud. Artwork is absolutely essential for a well-decorated room, so refuse to allow yourself to be paralyzed when picking and hanging art. When I select art, I purchase pieces I love that speak to me and lift my heart, then find a way to work them into my decor. I would never pick a piece that I thought was just OK because it looked good over my sofa or mantel. Be confident, be choosy and get artwork that shares a glimpse of your personality, a window into your world.
5. SOMETHING PERSONAL
As much as we all love to look at dreamy decor in magazines and on Pinterest, no one should live in a room that looks like it’s been downloaded from a catalogue. Every space in your home should reflect your unique personality, your well-lived life. Decorating accents are powerful tools to help tell your story. I like to weave in treasures from my travels, snapshots of special moments and those I love, gifts from people who mean the world to me. Add a touch of whimsy when you can, like taking that odd clay sculpture your child or grandkid made in art class, putting it on a cake plate and topping it with a glass cloche to give it the stage it deserves. Every time you walk past it, I bet it will make you smile!
One final bit of advice: Don’t let your room remain static, once you have decorated it. I believe good design evolves, and rooms should change to reflect the seasons, your interests and life stages. And above all else, have fun!
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This column was adapted from Mary Carol Garrity's blog at www.nellhills.com
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