Yes. I’ve been all about my lists lately. And by lately, I mean basically since last week. {Chalk it up to back to school craziness and emotions swirling out of control… the yellow school bus pulled up in the glistening sunlight of the late summer leaves, and I all but lost it. Get it together, mom!} But when a sweet reader, Lisa, wrote in recently and said this, we couldn’t help but turn our response into a post:
…I was just wondering what some of your favorite design must-haves are? What are some things that you feel every space needs? I know every space is different, but I’d love to hear your take on staples for a space that you absolutely love, and how you pull them all together? Thanks so much in advance!…
• Large and in charge art
If you’ve been reading for a while, then you know in our own home, and in the homes of our clients, we love art that makes a statement. But we really love art that’s large and makes a statement. By large and in charge, we really just mean art that rocks our faces off.
We can settle for just making a statement if you don’t want to go large. Art, from something that fondly reminds you of your childhood, to meaningful quotes that inspire you, make sure it speaks to you. Make sure it knocks it out of the park in the love category for who you are as a person. It’s a great opportunity to bring in color, texture and personality… and let it reflect you.
Your room will thank you for it.
Art really does speak for your home. Every home should have some of its own art, even if it’s a gallery of your beautiful family and friends, or something simple like reproductions from your favorite artists. There are so many ways to create your own DIY versions of beautiful things… we just say let it showcase some gorgeous art.
• Chandeliers and Rugs
They’re like great elements added to an outfit. You can have the cutest dress on in the history of ever, and look nice.
But don’t forget your earrings and shoes, people. It takes that cute dress from nice, to amazingly polished.
No, really. We can’t put it in an easier way. It’s how we roll.
Two tips when it comes to rugs:
• When searching for a size, always add at least the front legs of the furniture to the rug. Just say no to postage stamp rugs.
When in doubt, be sure to measure it out with tape on the ground. It’s a tried and true trick for more than just rugs – people ask us a lot how we got our kitchen just right – we literally measured and taped and then measured again. ;} It’s “archaic” but it works. Measurements are great, but in-person drawn out with tape or chalk or however you need to make it happen, is the best way to go.
• Don’t be afraid to layer. AKA: Does your living room have an oddly angled fireplace? Layer two rugs! There are no rules.
And for chandeliers: Place the lower hanging ones over items like a dining table or coffee table… in other words, in no-walk zones. Taller family members and guests may get a little tired of banging their heads up against them. AKA Jamin whenever he comes into my office… or the kids rooms. Sometimes, the chandys just have to be, and the tall people have to look. But we’d recommend the first tip, to avoid banged up heads. Sounds silly, but it’s something people don’t tend to think about until later.
• Contrasting Patterns
It’s our third go to – the funny part is, in all these photos you can probably see the same elements again and again and again…
Think organic and geometric, bright and neutral… mixing patterns with contrast is the quickest way to give your space so much fun personality. It looks collected and curated, not purchased in one fail swoop because big box stores told you to.
Patterns are a fabulous way to bring in color, texture and interest, so we bring them in not only in our own home, but with clients spaces as well.
From pillows to fabrics to upholstery to wallpaper and rugs – be mindful of how you apply fun elements to take your spaces over the top with that wow factor. It makes rooms one of a kind, and it’s a great way to be bold in your home.
We hope you can use a few of these in your own spaces. What are some of your quick go-to’s? We’d love to hear your take.
Have an inspired day!
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