How NOT To Decorate A Beautiful Room - Revisited...

I'm still on holidays at the moment, and will be for another few weeks yet. Woohoo!

The weather's been lovely, and I've found quite a few bargains at the after Christmas sales - life is good!

Whilst delving back into the depths of my previous posts recently, I found this little treasure! I've always loved this post, so decided to bring it back to the present for a new viewing. (And, it saves me time while I'm in holiday mode).

Hope you enjoy it!

How NOT To Decorate A Beautiful Room...

This is not an example of 'how not to decorate', this is to soothe you

before we get to the headache inducing pics below!!

A beautiful, soft, gorgeous, dreamy bedroom

from The House of Turquoise via Phoebe Howard.

My design philosophy is all about following your heart and going with the colours, patterns, objects, textures, scents, materials, art, furniture, and pieces that mean the most to you.

However, and this is a really BIG HOWEVER, that doesn't mean going absolutely beserk in ways with no organisation, logical reasoning, or rational thought behind them.

Nor does it mean squashing as many of the things you love as possible into one space, or making sure everywhere you turn there's an oversized representation of whatever it is you love that would be better suited as a prop in some weird movie.

Proportion, symmetry, colour theory, editing (decluttering) and the appropriate use of space are guidelines to follow in any room, all of the time.

Be warned.... if you don't allow for some modicum of sense, if you let your head go whilst following your heart.... things that aren't nice ARE going to happen......

I understand bears are cute.... I really do... but...

Image Ugly House Photos

....ENOUGH already!

Image from Lovely Listing

Too much..... everything! Bleh!

Image from Lovely Listing

I know deer heads are in fashion, but I don't like 'em.

I especially don't like a whole herd of them or their cousins.

Image from Lovely Listing

Busy wallpaper, plastic fruit on top of the cupboards,

and bear cookie jars. Headache approaching.

Image from Ugly House Photos

Cows..... what cows?

Image from Amazon

Now, I love owls. I collect them myself. And whilst I agree

with the author on Apartment Therapy that this is a

cool collection of owls (displayed facing out from an

apartment window), I think it'd be too much for an interior.

I have quite a few owls at my place, but no more than 3 in any one spot. That way they each retain their individuality and can be seen and appreciated. I find grouping them in one large collection may look great from a colour perspective, but detracts from their individual attributes (just my thoughts!).

Ask yourself: 'Am I letting my head go too much? Have I lost sight of common sense where my decorating is concerned? Am I paying attention to not only what I love, but also the principles of design that stand true no matter what?'

Which leads to: 'Is there some re-arranging, decluttering, eye-sore removing, colour harmonizing, balance restoring action I need to take anywhere?'

Because: Whilst our homes should be full of things we love and decorated in a way that means something to us personally, common sense should still prevail lest we devalue and disrespect the things we love by turning their display into a headache inducing mess.

And now, to re-adjust and harmonise everything once more....... here's another beautiful, serene, gorgeous bedroom from The House of Turquoise via House to Home.

I feel better already! :)

Cheers,

Linda.

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Flowers As The Perfect Piece Of Decoration...

Today I welcome a guest post from Patricia Hall, a florist and lover of flowers! Thanks for your terrific post Patty.

Flowers As The Perfect Piece Of Decoration...

Giving fresh flowers has long been associated with special occasions. A bride carries a floral bouquet, men give their wives and girlfriends roses on Valentine's Day, and flowers are placed on the graves of the departed. And, of course, using fresh flowers to decorate your home is a wonderful way to bring life to any room.

The History of Floral Display

Thousands of years ago, the ancient Egyptians would display vases of fresh flowers in their homes. The tradition of placing flowers in the tombs of dead loved ones started with them. The Greeks and Romans continued the trend, favoring floral wreaths instead of vases of flowers. All around the world, and throughout time, the hobby of arranging and displaying flowers continued, mostly with the use of locally grown flowers. This was to change with the age of exploration.

        

     

When European explorers set out to explore the lands beyond the ocean, they brought back some of the native plants founds in the New World. Tropical fruits and flowers brought back to Europe made their way into floral arrangements, adding more color and texture.

Today, people do not have to commission an exploratory voyage to overseas to get unique and colorful flower bouquets. With the advent of the Internet it has become even easier to order flowers and receive those flowers by post in just a few days, as fresh as the day they were picked.

What to Do with Fresh Flowers

Flowers bring a splash of color and texture into the home. No matter the decorating theme of the home, a bouquet of flowers can be custom-designed to match. Old-fashioned arrangements with heirloom flowers in subtle shades is at home in a Victorian-styled home. Bold, simple arrangements add an eye-catching visual spot in a home with a modern design.

  



When the flowers arrive, getting them into water immediately will lengthen their life. Cut the stems at an angle and submerge them in water with the plant food packet from the florist added. The vase of fresh flowers is then ready for display.

Instead of candles, place a vase of fresh flowers on the dining room table. For this option, it is best to use flower arrangements that do not have a strong scent. Low displays are best on the table so the view of other diners is not blocked.

                        



Fill a bedroom with the scent of fresh roses to create a romantic atmosphere. A bouquet of fresh flowers on the dressing table or chest of drawers will enhance the room's appearance and smell. Choose flowers to match the color theme of the bedroom for a subtle effect, or opt for a contrasting color so the floral bouquet stands out.

                    



Greet guests in the front hallway with the sight and smell of fresh flowers. A bouquet of deeply scented flowers in the entryway adds an air of hospitality and a fresh look that can be changed weekly just by ordering more flowers by post.

Flowers displayed in the living room can soften the sharp lines of modern furnishings or blend easily in with classic decor. Placing the flower arrangement in front of a window will keep the flowers fresher longer. A mirror placed under or behind the flowers doubles the visual effect.

For homes with pets or children, it is best to keep a floral display out of their reach. The beautiful, eye-catching colors will entice pets or children to sample the flowers, which can result in the ruining of the floral display and sickness in the child or pet.

Indulging in an age-old tradition of floral display in the home is easier now than ever. Exotic flowers or local varieties are easily procured with a simple procedure to order flowers and have those flowers by post sent home for display in any room of the house.

About the Author

Patricia Hall works part-time for a florist and flower delivery but loves to surround herself with flowers at any given point of time. Even in her free time she loves to involve herself with everything flora and fauna.

'To me there is nothing more beautiful and global as the language of flowers - it is the easiest to understand all around the world in the same way. That is one reason why I truly admire flowers for what they represent in some ways - unity of all mankind!'

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Image credits:
1. Roses In Hair
2. Elizabeth Anne Designs
3. Apartment Therapy
4. Homedit
5. Martha Stewart Votives
6. Orange Flowers
7. Gap Interiors
8. White Lilies

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Bedroom Beauties.... Or Not?

Our bedrooms are our special places of rest, sanctuary, and hiding away from the ravages our daily life sometimes brings us.

I found this bunch of bedrooms on Home Designing the other day, and thought some of them looked interesting and quite nice.

They all have some aspect in them I love... books, a great rug, gorgeous colour, glowing light, terrific artwork, a quote on the wall (you know how I love quotes everywhere)....

All pics via Home Designing

But, I also know myself well enough to look at them all and admire them from afar.

I can recognise what's good about them, I can see why lots of people would love to be in their spacious, roomy, and light filled surrounds, and at the same time, I can know that none of them are for me.

I like my bedrooms smaller, like a cocoon, and not quite so cavernous. I'm not saying I want to live in a cave, and I'm not saying I like my room to be the size of a matchbox... but I need 'cozy' in my bedroom.

I could almost survive for an extended period of time in the one with the brown wall containing books... nice lamps (although being a 'symmetrical girl' I'd need the lamps to match - but that's just me), great floor, some feel of coziness... but, the bed's too modern for me.

I've learned over time that it's quite normal and ok for me to oooh and aahhh over pictures in magazines that I can tell are beautifully designed and look terrific in almost every way (not talking about these pics here).... and yet just 'know' they wouldn't work for me.

I have to 'feel' it, I have to know I'd connect with it in MY way, not just dig it with my eyes and brain for a  room to be right.

Atmosphere is everything in my book.... and sometimes it's the hardest thing to manufacture.

Linda. xox

P.S. To see more bedrooms similar to these, pop over to Home Designing. I only picked a few!

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A Guest Post About Decorative Finishes

I've been flat out over the last few weeks as this is one of the busiest times of the year at work. So, when the folks from Arcadian Lighting contacted me about a guest post, I cheerfully agreed as it meant I got to 'take a post off'!

Here's their guest post about decorative finishes...

Anyone can buy a light fixture or accent chair from a chain market and call it decorating. But if you truly want to make these pieces your own, consider designing with decorative finishes.

Once relegated to the stippling or faux-finishing of drab, beige walls, more people are now customizing their pieces by using decorative finishing techniques on their table lamps, furniture, and even floors.

Take a look at some of these images for your own design inspiration. After that, break out your can of paints, glazes, sponges and dry brushes, and get to finishing!

(via)

Here is a chair that has been scavenged from Craigslist.  It was reupholstered in a velvet pea-green fabric and the frame was refinished with black lacquer.  Lacquering wooden furniture is easy; just sand the previous finish off, coat with primer and then paint it with a couple of coats of high-quality lacquer paint.

(via)

Boring old kitchen cabinets have been sanded and refinished with glossy black lacquer paint and a pretty gold trim.  Goodbye boring, hello chic!

(via)

Shown here is a wall that has been color-washed.  The wash of color is warm and rustic and will create the appearance of worn paint.  This finishing technique is very easy.  After preparing your walls for paint, mix together ¼ cup of water, colorant, and 2 cups of glaze.  Apply this mixture with a large sponge and finish it with a dry bush.

(via)

If you are able to, consider painting or finishing your floors.  The floor of this entryway has been finished in three different stains to create a gorgeous chevron-like pattern.

(via)

A junky, $5 table lamp found on Craigslist gets a makeover with several coats of matte paint. The base used to be coral red and the shade was dingy beige. This shabby chic lamp just went from drab to fab!

So, if you think you’ve found the perfect $10 chair or lamp but it’s too old and worn out, use a decorative finish to make it like new again. If you live in your own home, accent boring beige walls, ceilings or floors with a decorative finish.

(Content provided by Arcadian Lighting, a site that specializes in top quality lighting fixtures at extremely affordable prices. Come visit us today!)

Thanks for the guest post A.L!

Linda. xox

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It All Goes Back In The Box...

I've been watching the show 'Hoarders' a bit lately. I'm quite weirdly fascinated by the reasons people 'hoard', how their lives get away from them, and how the process of cleaning out their homes effects them so intensely.

I've also spent a lot of time thinking about consumerism, materialistic lifestyles, and what's important.

The whole question of why we buy, collect, store, covet, and surround ourselves with the stuff we do is something I'm very drawn to and intrigued by.

Whilst I have an eclectic style of decorating, and I love my displays of affection, I've always been an exceedingly organised, tidy, and generally very clean housekeeper.

I'm also known as the 'Queen of decluttering' by those who know me well. Truth be told, I'm probably a tad too ruthless!

The people I share an office with generally end up apologising if their desk is messy... I think they must think they're spoiling the office for me or something. (Which generally they're not, as long as my patch is workable for me, I'm happy!).

Anyhow.... I just found this video to be quite thought provoking and direct.



It all goes 'back in the box'.

Linda. xox

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Mix It Up.... Take A Risk!

Leading on from my last post about letting the real you shine through in your decorating and why I think it's so important, my latest Houzz newsletter featured this ideabook.

There's some lovely images in it of rooms where conventionality (thanks Gill for bringing up that word), has at least been warped or lovingly twisted to suit the owner's personality and joys.

Some weekend eye candy!

Relax and Enjoy an Extreme Style Mix

Houzz- Kitchen Design, Bathroom Design and More»

Browse by Space and Style- For Example:

Modern Kitchen · Modern Bathroom · Eclectic Living Room · Eclectic Bedroom · Mediterranean Dining Room · Traditional Homes · Modern Patio · Mediterranean Landscaping ·

Linda. xox

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What's Holding You Back?....

From one of my most favourite quoticians (just made up that word to represent people who write lots of amazing and inspiring quotes), comes these wise words...

'The privilege of a lifetime, is being who you are'. (Joseph Campbell)

Image from Matchbookmag - Room by Rita Konig

Doesn't it follow then, that you owe it to yourself to let the real you shine out whenever, and wherever possible?

To decorate your rooms as a celebration of who you are and all that you love?

To feel free within your own home, to feel grateful for the person you are, and run rampant expressing your innermost joy and heartfelt emotions as you wish?

To validate the person you are by paying homage to the privilege of being YOU?

What's holding you back?

Anything?

Linda. xox

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Do We Lose Our Way In The 'Middle' Somewhere? Another Wonderful C.S. Lewis Quote To Ponder...

Image from Parker Fitzgerald on Flickr

Sad we sometimes lose our way in the 'middle' somewhere.

There's been quite a few posts on here lately about keeping your inner child alive and decorating in a way that caters to that magical part of you, because I really think it's important.

Maybe we get too 'prim and proper' or too concerned with following 'those who know' or 'the experts' in our middle years.

Maybe we become too much a 'slave to trends' and not enough a 'liberator of our own passion and curiosity'.

Whatever it is...... I think we should all read our own versions of fairytales, (and decorate like we're in our own fairytale - whatever that looks like), our whole lives through.

What do you think?

Linda. xox

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Birds Painted On Door Panels... Wow!

Image from Penny Morrison via World of Interiors

I love the magazine World Of Interiors... always so many inspiring things to look at and soak in. It's like entering another world every time you turn a page. Just found this wonderful image on Penny Morrison's site and HAD to share.

What a fabulous way to weave images of something you love into the 'tapestry' of your home. The bird pics in the foreground and on the back door are painted onto the panels of the doors - brilliant!

If I had panelled doors I could imagine doing the same thing with some owls or butterflies.... both of which I've 'gotta thing' for.

Linda. xox

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Snippets - Weaving images or objects related to those things you've 'gotta thing' for into the 'tapestry of your home' is a beautiful way to connect to your surroundings. Here's some of my favourite 'things'...

• Owls
• Butterflies
• Trees, leaves, and acorns
• Maps and globes (great pics here)
• Books and bookshelves

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The Rooms Of Our Homes....

Image from Ikea Family Live

Love this quote from one of the books on my shelf at home....

'The rooms of our homes, whether studio apartment or sprawling mansion, are living, breathing entities waiting to renew our energy. Like people, all they need is a little loving attention and appreciation in order to give their best back'  ~  Jann Mitchell from 'Home Sweeter Home'.

The room above is such a physical representation of someone's loving care for this space.... it's full of little bits and pieces that have meaning and provide nurturing. Lovingly framed momentos and items that sing to the owners soul, little touches of comfort and luxury, textural fur rugs to relax on and run your fingers through, touches of glorious colour and pattern, individual lamps for reading, a place to rest your cuppa.

What a soothing and at the same time re-energising space. I would love to come home to this every day..... and spend time re-connecting with my inner self or a loved one.

How do you add a touches of care and personality to the rooms in your home so they 'give their best back' as the quote above says?

Linda. xox

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5 Ways To Re-use Old Things And Make Them 'New'!

Here's 5 great ideas for re-purposing objects you may have around the house and giving them a new lease of life!

Old cutlery as hooks on the wall.

A photo in a frame as a cocktail tray.

Old calendars as wrapping paper - circle the recipient's birth date!

A gorgeous tea towel as a shared place-mat.

A tutu as a flounce on a painted stool. Viola - a side table for a little girl's bedroom!

See the instructions/info for these fab ideas and another 15 on the My Home Ideas site here.

I love this stuff!!

Linda. xox

PS: Don't forget to enter to win my current give-away here! A lovely limited edition ampersand cushion cover by designer Shannon Lamden of Auntie Cookie is up for grabs.

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Don't Be Scared Of Pattern! Tips To Overcome Pattern Stage Fright - Part Four

Image from Thibaut

Welcome to the fourth and final part in our series of 'Pattern Tips'.

You can find parts 1,2, and 3 of the Pattern Tips Series here.

Today we're talking mainly about mixing patterns.

Don't be afraid to use several different patterns within a room. It doesn't have to look like pattern chaos!

Here's five fab tips to help...

Tip 1: When using eclectic patterns such as animal prints or paisleys, use a bold plain colour as a backdrop. The finished effect will be more cohesive.

Tip 2: Don’t be afraid to mix patterns from different ethnic sources, just make sure they share a common colour or theme (such as animals or flowers).

Image from Good Bones Great Pieces

Tip 3: Don’t use different patterns of a similar scale. Try to make sure the scales are different, otherwise they might conflict,. For example, pick a small check with a large floral or vice versa.

Image from Thibaut

Tip 4: Use geometric patterns to sharpen feminine florals, or mix them for elegance.

Tip 5: Go for contrasting patterns rather than two or three closely matched ones.

Image from Thibaut

Ask yourself: 'Am I scared to use pattern in my home?'

Which leads to: 'What's the worst that could happen if I give it a go?'

Because: If you start off with a cushion or two, you'll be able to 'dip your toe' in the pattern pool slowly without risking great cost or time! If you're feeling more daring, try some gorgeous patterned wallpaper, new upholstery, or perhaps a footstool or two! Pattern adds a sense of flair and personality to any room that nothing else can beat!

Cheers,

Linda.

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3 More Posts With Pattern Tips:
Tips To Overcome Pattern Stage Fright - Part One
Tips To Overcome Pattern Stage Fright - Part Two
Tips To Overcome Pattern Stage Fright - Part Three

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Gimme 5 - Five Questions To Ask Yourself Today...

Read these quotes first.......

All images from We Heart It

and then.....

Ask yourself: When was the last time I...

• Made something beautiful?
• Got out of my comfort zone?
• Did something for the first time?
• Was bold and daring?
• Experimented curiously?

Which leads to: 'Which of the above things can I do today that will contribute to the vibe, essence, and personality of my home? What can I try that I might never have dared try before?'

Because: Sometimes we have to get out of our comfort zones before we're opened up to new ideas and new joys. Things that were once invisible or seemed out of reach can become possible if we only take a breath, muster up our courage, and try.

So why not investigate a new colour? Experiment with some bold wallpaper? Introduce some audacious accessories? Glam up some furniture with gloss paint? You never know what delights you may discover!

Gorgeous wallpaper from Thibaut!

Cheers,

Linda.

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More Words of Wisdom and Inspiration:
Are You Following Your Bliss?
Be Good To Yourself And The Rest Will Follow

A Post About Curiosity....... and Some Other Things!:
Curiosity, A Cat, And New Wallpaper
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Dorothy Draper on Fireplaces.....

Image from JJ Locations.

'I don't believe anything can do as much for a room as a glowing fire in an attractive fireplace. Men and dogs love an open fire - they show good sense. It is the heart of any room and should be kindled on the slightest provocation'.

~ Dorothy Draper ~

Cheers,

Linda.

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3 More Pieces of Designer Advice To Choose From:
Suzy Chiazzari Thinks No Home Should Be Without These...
The Soothing Sight Of The Curve
Coming Out Of The Shadows

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The Soothing Sight Of 'The Curve'...

A beautifully curved back!

Image from Small Place Style.

I find furniture with curves very pleasing to the eye... it somehow seems more soothing and calming than angular furniture with pointy bits and sharp corners everywhere.

Not to say I like all my furniture to be voluptuous, rounded, or bulging at the seams, but a few luscious, ripe curves 'take the edge off' and add that sinuous, soft, flowing element to a room.

In Sensual Home Ilse Crawford says:

'The curve is an elemental shape; straight lines came along with machines. The horizon of oceans and deserts is definitely curved, so too is the human form... A world designed along straight lines would be an unnatural and icy place.

We think of curves as being warm and sensual.

Curves welcome us.

Angles reject us.

Curves invite us to touch and explore....

Curves soften the blow of the technological world...

Most of all they please the eye and are lovely to touch.

Every time we create a straight line we need a curve for balance. Our homes are neither chessboards nor Mondrian paintings... the curve of a vase, the sinuous line of a chair, the sweep of an oval table, the plump upholstery of a sofa.

These things take the edges off modernity, making it sensual and appealing.'

Here's some rooms with gorgeous curvy or rounded furniture in them, each piece providing balance and respite for the eye.

Art deco dresser found on Desire To Inspire.

Beautiful curved desk legs against the more angular,

modern furniture in the background.

Image from Small Place Style.

A ripe, voluptuous dresser, with a beautifully curved orchid!

Image from Small Place Style.

Curves on the bedhead, the chair, the beside table...

...even the teapot!

Image from Flickr.

This room would not have the same balance without the

curved shape of the chairs. The bedside tables have

lovely curved legs too.

Image from Small Place Style.

The rounded chair arms, the curvy stool, and the

woven firewood basket set this room off beautifully!

Image from Small Place Style.

Curves abound in the furniture, the objects, the

fabric patterns. Lovely.

Image via Flickr.

Ask yourself: 'Are my rooms balanced with some curves, or are they all sharp angles and geometric patterns?'

Which leads to: 'How can I bring some soothing curves into my rooms...... furniture? Objects? Patterns on wallpaper or fabric?'

Because: Too many sharp, geometric, and pointy items in a room can make you feel a bit, well....... sharp and pointy! Curves will de-stress, soothe, and calm whilst adding balance and harmony to any room.

Cheers,

Linda.

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♥ Straight from me to YOU - subscribe!
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