HELP! The American home needs a makeover. But were do we start? Here are three ideas that will get the party started.
CLEAN IT UP
The single greatest design or decorating failure is clutter and mess. Too much of anything is just that; too much. If you have a collection then treat it as such; organize it, display it, light it and remove any doubt by making it special.
If it is just a bunch of junk then do yourself a favor and pitch it. You don’t need more things. You need less. A good rule-of-thumb says that if you haven’t used it or touched it in 12 months you probably don’t need it.
CONTROL THE LIGHT
Drapes, while beautiful, are practical tools to control light levels in any room. The warmth and beauty that they deliver adds greatly to the design concept in any room.
These beautiful elements also offer great function as they filter and direct the amounts of light allowed in any space, much the same way shades on lamps or chandelier/sconce bulbs offer the same type of filter and control.
Bare bulbs are too reminiscent of interrogation scenes in old movies. Think soft candle light rather than stadium lighting for a football game when deciding on how to illuminate a room. Task lighting can always shed specific light for specific jobs (reading, sewing. etc.), but the entire room need not follow suit.
COLOR IT BEAUTIFUL
It seems that we have developed a passion for beige. My recommendation is to snap out of it and bring color into your home. Look to nature for your inspiration. Find shade in the garden that brings a smile to your face and then look for an opportunity to introduce this favored shade into your home.
Soft silvery grey, warm rich clay, cool evergreen and so many more shades from the garden offer lovely opportunities for enjoyment each and everyday.
