I'm a list person. I love a great checklist. And, perhaps more honestly, I require checklists. I am lost without my grocery list, daily to-do list, etc. I'm an analytical person who thinks and learns through words so when I embark upon a new house or design project, I use words to brainstorm design concepts--"Fresh" and "Warm" being the most common--and I end up with a kind of list of what the space will become.
And although every home is different, the rooms I love most have a few specific elements which combine to create excellent spaces. Spaces which invite, comfort, ease, inspire, and of course, "freshen" and "warm". Here is a handy checklist of ten things I think every room should have to be great.
1. Organic Material such as wood, sisal, seashells, antlers, coral, natural cotton. I think of "organic" as any material which feels raw, makes me feel grounded and reminds me of nature, and seems like it came from the earth and not a factory. In particular, I love how organic materials can ground more formal rooms, like how the sisal rug makes this room less fancy and more approachable.2. Light Reflection. Something shiny or glossy. Polished silver, laquer, glass, silk, polished stone. It's like jewelry--add more for a more formal look.
3. A Pop of Color. My partner, Chrissy, calls it the "lipstick on the room". While she accordingly gravitates towards reds, oranges and hot pinks for her room-lipstick, any bright color will do. I find it most impactful in a small dose like a bud vase or throw blanket, and easiest to pull off in a brighter version of a soft color already in the room. For instance, if you have a bit of aqua already in the room, add a bright turquoise pop. Or go opposite the color wheel to complimentary yellow.4. Softness. The cooler the color palette and the harder the surfaces (such as with stone floors), the more softness you need. And I mean literal softness. When you are shopping, look for things that feel good to the touch.
5. Plants. Never underestimate what a few well-placed indoor plants will do for your space. I always get nervous that I'm placing too many, but plants are neutral and you really have to have a lot to get that 70's jungle look going, so try to be brave and do a few more than you'd think. Where Coco Chanel advised you to remove a piece of jewelry before you leave the house, I advise you to add a plant (or two matching small ones).
Although this room {photo above} has floral bouquets, its topiary-style plant is so striking only one is needed. Try this--place your thumb over the plant on your computer screen. Notice how the entire room becomes more dull, the colors less cohesive. The green of the plant creates a freshness that pulls the entire room together.
6. Candles. Although not a necessity, I find that life is better with candles. I prefer white or cream-colored candles for their lovely glow. Everything feels more warm and welcoming with candlelight--I have at least one in every single room of the house and I light them daily, even when no one is home but me. Also, if you are watching your electric bill, try candlelight while watching TV in the evenings instead of lamps or overheads. It feels so much cozier and is practically free.
7. Repurposed items. I love taking something utilitarian and making it into something decorative. Repurposing is very successful when done with outdated items. Specifically, I have seen quite a few old nautical props and anything to do with milkmen. In this photo, the obvious scene-stealer is the French console, but I also really like how they've topped it with old French cutting boards as decorative items and as-needed trays.
8. Opposites. Opposites create balance. And I'm a libra so I love that. If you have something formal, add something casual. With something old, add something new (feel free to add borrowed and blue!). With something very simple, add something very intricate or ornate. The key is to keep it in the same style--your style.
9. An Oversized Element. One or two oversized elements give a space drama, and can make a small room feel much larger and more substantial. I love how instead of placing many little things on this foyer table, the designer kept it simple and impactful (yet understated in style) with this large stone container and orchid.
10. A Strong Silhouette. Which is a fancy way of saying something with an interesting shape. I think this is most effective when it is black to accentuate the form. This vase's silhouette quietly lends strength and style to a refreshingly simple entry.
Have a great week!
All photos courtesy of House Beautiful.
On a budget? Daffodils are inexpensive, and just what the doctor ordered in sometimes gloomy March. Add some twigs from your floral shop {or nearest winter tree} and a weighty container to create an incredibly easy yet impressive bouquet. 
Update traditional, girly flowers like bluebells with modern, sculptural containers. 
.jpg)
Posts
