Why Not… Decorate with a unique chair?
Why Not… Decorate with a unique chair?
When it comes to designing our homes, everyone wants their space to be unique yet still welcoming and comfortable. A great way to achieve this - adding in one of a kind furniture pieces to your living spaces!
Your living space needs seating, so why not choose a piece that is a little different and allows you to express who you are?! You can have fun with it and choose a chair made out of a funky material - like acrylic, play with fabrics, or even go with something simple and add a fun throw and pillow to make it unique all on your own!
Maybe you want something bold, but smaller than a chair - a fun ottoman is a great option and just as fun of an element to add to your space!
Whether you choose a unique material or a fun fabrics with bold colors, patterns, or textures - adding in a chair, sofa, or ottoman is a sure way to brighten up your space and let your personality shine through!
Need help finding the perfect fit for your space? I am happy to help! You can reach me here.
Why Not... Add a Rug?
Why Not... Add a Rug?
So, you’ve been enjoying the decorative throws and detailed pieces in your home but feel something is still missing. I have the perfect thing for you, a new rug! Rugs make wonderful eye candy in any room, not to mention they are soft on your feet. A rug can bring a room from feeling empty to looking whole in just a few minutes. It really is that stress-free. I can help you find the rug you are looking for, whether it is round, long, soft, coarse, full of vibrant colors, or just neutral. No idea where to start? Let’s face it, change can be daunting sometimes.
Start by deciding the space you want to add a rug to. How much room do you have? The size of the space is crucial in selecting the perfect piece. Think about the area, what is the theme of the room? Are you looking to change the room completely? Answering these questions can help you figure out exactly what you are looking for. If the room is pretty neutral already, you may want to try a pattern to catch the eye! If you have colors in the room, look for a piece to compliment the existing colors of the room!
I always get some inspiration online first and then head to the store! Rugs come in many shapes and sizes, so looking before you go is a great way to see what you might not like. Rug shopping can be overwhelming, there are always so many options and sometimes no matter how hard you try, you just can’t picture that rug in your home. I recommend asking about taking a rug to sample in your home before you decide! I always love being able to see the rug in action before making a purchase. It helps to visualize the arrangement and relieve any anxiety about a possible purchase!
Having a rug can transform a house into a home! Easy to clean, and easy to find! The perfect rug is the ideal genuine piece that you are missing! I enjoy shopping locally at ABD. Clients always feel welcomed and finding the perfect rug is inevitable there! Whether you are looking to bring light to the living room, or spice up a hallway, rugs offer effortless, yet satisfying change. What are you waiting for? Find a new rug today!
Why Not... Redecorate Your Master Bedroom
Why Not... Redecorate Your Master Bedroom
One of the rooms we spend the most time in can easily be redecorated to add some carefree change! Alright, let’s confess...The room in the house that few people go into is often times the one that falls through the cracks. Most of our guests stay in shared living spaces, so we sometimes neglect that master bedroom, focusing on decorating that living room, kitchen, or patio. But what about your space? Redecorating is a great way to make your house feel like a home and your bedroom feel like a haven.
Do you ever feel like your room needs a change but you have no idea where to start? Start with wallpaper! It is a great way to spice up an accent wall in any room, even the master bedroom! The best thing about it is that it is easier than paint and mess free! Not to mention the patterns you can choose from make this an undeniably easy yet, eye catching choice.
How about some new furniture? A custom piece of furniture is a great choice for your master bedroom and can add that touch of authenticity that you’re looking for! Custom furniture is a chic way to incorporate exactly what you want in the space that you want it! You come up the idea and I’ll help you make it come to life!
Redecorate your furniture with throw pillows! Easily change throw pillow cases and suddenly the room has a different pop of color than before. Not only are throw pillows a fantastic option, but throw blankets are a great way to make the room feel cozy. And you guessed it, throw blankets also make great accent pieces for any space. Easily move the throw around the room to change up the space.
Contact me here for more information or to schedule a time for us to walk through your home and see how we can update your space.
Why Not... Decorate with Vintage Furniture?
Why Not... Decorate with Vintage Furniture?
Using vintage furniture in your home is a great way to keep these amazing and timeless pieces alive, plus they can bring so much character into your home! There are so many hidden gems out there, with endless possibilities, some just need some love and TLC be brought back to their full potential. Vintage pieces are often great quality and solid, so even though they may have lived through quite a few years before your home, they should still be sturdy and have a long lifespan ahead of them!
It can even be fun to upcycle vintage furniture to match your existing pieces in your home. You can re-stain wooden furniture, or paint it any color. Reupholstering cloth can be a great way to update pieces as well. If you want to make a vintage piece more modern, you can add a new fabric that has a moder design or color palette. If you want to keep the piece looking original, there are plenty of vintage fabrics that you can use as well. MIxing vintage and modern styles will surely make your home unique and bring some fun elements to your spaces.
Vintage furniture can even be completely repurposed from its original use. Finding pieces like small tables or dressers can be great to turn into bathroom counters. They provide plenty of storage and they are sure to make a statement when your guests see them! This is just another great way that vintage one of a kind pieces can make your home unique.
Whether you are into modern design, or pieces from the past… adding vintage furniture to your home is always a great idea in my book. Whether you are upscaling vintage pieces to make them appear more modern, or leaving them in their original glories, they are timeless and can be enjoyed by your family for many years! Contact me here for more information or to schedule a time for us to walk through your home and see what vintage beauties we can add to your space.
Why Not... Redesign Your Office Space?
Why Not... Redesign Your Office Space?
Many people consider their office space to be their “home away from home” because they spend quite a bit of time there. Employees on average will spend 40 to 50 hours in the office at their desk, in a conference room, or enjoying a break in a common area. Since they are spending so much time in these spaces, they should be not only functional and productive, but comfortable and beautiful too!
It doesn’t matter what kind of room you are redesigning, it is always nice to see how functionality, textures, and colors all come together to create a unique and inviting space. This especially important in a place like an office building where your employees and your clients will be working and collaborating. Your office space and conference rooms should be inviting and comfortable, without too much that could cause distractions.
Your employees and your clients will be so happy to be welcomed into such a warm and happy environment. If you don’t know where to start, I’d love to look at your space and help your vision become a reality. There is no detail to small to tie together your new space!
Why Not... Have Custom Furniture?
Why Not... Have Custom Furniture?
Have you ever been rearranging or decorating your home and notice that it feels like something is missing? Maybe a certain piece of furniture for a specific spot, but when you go out shopping for that one special piece - you can’t find ANYTHING?! I’ve been there too many times to count, which is why I love designing and investing in custom pieces of furniture for my clients.
Over the last 18 years of my career as an interior designer, I’ve come across spaces that I knew were missing something but the options were limited for what could go there. A piece that would look great would be the wrong size or we would find something that was the perfect size but the wrong aesthetic for the room. That’s when I realized that custom furniture was the only way to go, and it helped me create a whole new leg of my career.
There is nothing more special than being able to create unique spaces for my clients that are everything that they had been dreaming of for their homes. Having the opportunity to leave my mark with custom furniture that is designed to fit their needs makes it even better! I’ve been able to design bookshelves, headboards, tables, chairs, and have so many more custom pieces in my mind that I can’t wait to incorporate into future client’s spaces. It’s only a matter of time before my next custom and timeless design is being built for a very special project!
Soon my custom designs will be available online for order and be customizable for your space. Each piece will be made to order and you will have the ability to change materials, colors, and aspects of the piece to make it unique. Stay tuned by following my Instagram for updates on how to order my pieces for your home!
Do you have a vision for a special piece that you’d like for your own space? I’d love to collaborate and help you bring that vision to life! Contact me and let’s make it happen!
Why Not… Decorate Outdoors?
Why Not… Decorate Outdoors?
Summer is finally upon us which means beautiful warm weather to enjoy in our backyards! These warm months bring so many opportunities for entertaining outdoors between the summer holidays, dinner parties, Sunday cookouts, pool parties, and just relaxing with friends on a Friday night. The possibilities for entertaining outdoors are endless, so why not… decorate outside?
When we remodel and redecorate our homes, it’s easy to forget about our outdoor spaces and entertainment areas. It’s one of those “out of sight, out of mind” situations - until you want to use that space! It’s a lot easier than you think to spruce up your backyard or patio though, and it can be done on any budget!
Chances are, that you already have an outdoor table on your back porch that can easily be refreshed with a good cleaning and maybe a new coat of paint. If you have fabric chairs, you can easily find some DIY instructions for reupholstering them and with new material to fit your updated decor! This alone will provide a whole new look for your outdoor living space. Add in some new throw pillows and you’re all set for seating.
I also love getting indoor/outdoor lights that can be strung around the patio, or even in the tree branches to add a nice intimate glow in the evening. These are amazing for outdoor dinner parties and give off the perfect amount of lighting, it’s a bonus that they can easily be found online too! If you want more light or want to make your table setting even more intimate, candles are always a great touch too. I love to put candles in glass hurricane holders on my table to create a beautiful warm glow.
Don’t let summer come and go again this year without using your outdoor spaces to entertain, with just a few details to spruce up the area you can have a beautiful space to use again and again. I enjoy entertaining outdoors well into the fall as well, I love having my friends over to enjoy a warm dinner in the cool fall breeze. It’s a space that can be decorated as much or as little as you’d lile, but is sure to be a great place to make memories in your home!
Not sure where to start with your outdoor space? I am happy to chat with you and we can transform your outdoor living area together! Contact me here or on Instagram for more details.
Who is Christian Lee Designs? The Woman Behind the Design.
Who is Christian Lee Designs? The Woman Behind the Design.
Lakeland based Interior Designer, Christian Lee, has been working her magic throughout Central Florida (and beyond) for the last 18 years. The unique designs that she brings to life are a direct reflection of her heart, life, journey, and her faith.
Christian’s journey in design started when she was in her 20’s with her own home where she was married and raising children. She craved a space that felt like a home for her boys, and she wanted them to feel the magic of having their own safe-space in each of their rooms. When she started designing her home, and became obsessive over each detail - she had no idea that it would become her career. But, it didn’t take long for friends and family to notice that her home was not only beautifully cultivated, but also functional and meticulously designed to be lived in. Before she knew it, she was launching her business, Christian Lee Designs. Following the launch of her new career in Interior Design, Christian entered the turmoil of divorce and becoming a single mother. This did not hold her back by any means, if anything it only propelled further into her career and fueled her fire.
Since the launch of her business, Christian has been able to help countless people transform their homes into cozy spaces to enjoy with family and friends, she has designed office spaces to promote productivity and comfort, and churches to feel welcoming and like home to congregations to join in worship and praise of our Lord. Christian doesn’t believe that any spaces are too large, too small, or too difficult to conquer - she loves a good challenge.
Christian’s designs are not only a reflection of her love for beautiful spaces though, they are all brought to life through her client’s personal belongings, beloved antiques, family photos, and prized possessions. She believes that the space that she is designing needs to feel like home to those living in and needs to be both beautiful and functional. Afterall, a home is meant to be lived in. Christian’s design aesthetic was built around collecting things that she loves and finding the romance and seductive sensuality in uncommon things. This is why when working with Christian, your first step is collecting the items that bring you joy and light your fire - this is her starting point for transforming your home and really making it feel like it is yours. Her goal is that you feel a connection to your home. Christian’s belief is that interior design is not about how much money you spend on a remodel, a new kitchen, or a lavish sofa but it is always about how much you feel when you are in the space.
Not only is Christian a top-notch Interior Designer, but she also has a passion for designing and producing custom pieces of furniture. During the time that she has spent in interior design, she has realized that sometimes custom pieces are crucial for tying together a space - so she has filled that need for her clients. Christian has designed book shelves, tables, chairs, and headboards but she won’t stop there. It’s only a matter of time before her next beautiful and timeless piece is produced and added to her custom collection, maybe even for your home.
Working with Christian Lee Designs is always a unique experience for each client, because clients truly become friends to Christian. Even though everything she touches has her heart and soul poured into it - it’s a direct reflection of her clients because her passion is turning spaces into a place where their hearts can grow and their relationships can flourish. Inviting Christian into your home will surely ignite a spark in her creative mind and before you know it, your space will be exactly what you needed - even if you didn’t know what you wanted.
If you are interested in working with Christian Lee Designs, she can be reached here.
Why Not... Hang Wallpaper?
Why Not... Hang Wallpaper?
I know what you are thinking from reading the headline of this article “I am not hanging wallpaper in my home, it is not the 70’s!” but just hear me out on this one. Did you know what wallpaper is back in style and trendy as ever?
If you’ve been looking for a great way to liven up your house but haven’t quite found what you’re looking for, wallpaper is a great option for you. There is so much that you can do with wallpaper and there is a color or pattern for anyone’s style. The possibilities and options are endless, and wallpaper can be a perfect addition to any room in your home.
Still not sold on the idea of adding wallpaper to your home decor plans? Take a look a some fun ways that you can use wallpaper in your home:
Bathroom
A bathroom is such a great place to add a fun wallpaper, it can really liven up one of the more simple places in your home. Since bathrooms tend to be closed off from the rest of your house, you can really get creative in that space and make it truly unique if you don’t want it to blend in with the rest of your home.
Office Space
Since we are living in the virtual world these days, with many of us working from home, there are a lot of video meetings happening in our home offices. With that being said, having a great accent wall behind you is a fun way to liven up your office for the time you are spending on-screen. A textured wallpaper is not only professional, but can add a nice focal point in your office on and off the screen.
Dining Room
A dining room can easily be transformed into an upscale entertainment area by adding wallpaper and a chair rail or board and batten. There are simple, fun, and even funky options for wallpaper - there is definitely something for your home. There is a huge variety of textured papers, patterns, and prints. Adding wallpaper above a chair rail, or to a single wall as an accent, can completely transform your dining room and make it feel like a whole new space.
Living Room
Accent walls can be a great addition to your living room to give the space a pop of color or even brighten up a dark space. If you like the idea of changing up your walls often and you keep simple furniture, they make wallpaper that is simple to put up and remove. You can change it out as often as you would like to switch up your office style.
Convinced yet? If you’re ready to make a change to your home, but you aren’t sure where to start… give me a call and let’s get started building your new space for the summer!
Why Not… Start Your Spring Cleaning?
Why Not… Start Your Spring Cleaning?
It is hard to believe that we are already three months into 2021, and spring has arrived! The year is flying by and soon enough we'll be headed into the summer season and ready to spend our days outdoors, at the beach, and relaxing. What better way is there to celebrate spring and prepare for summer than with some good ole Spring Cleaning?
Spring cleaning is actually a tradition for many people, especially in areas that get cold, but it’s really important and has so many benefits. During the winter we tend to keep our houses all closed up and in some areas we have our heaters running too. We also tend to spend more days inside of our homes when the weather is cold and we have all of the holidays. When spring time rolls around, cleaning is a good way to refresh your home and can also benefit your health.
After spending the winter in your home, cleaning your house is a great way to start the spring with a fresh and clean living space. Spring cleaning is such a good way to deep clean your house and get any dirt, allergens, and dust out of your home and help you declutter. This will actually help you stay healthy and enhance your immune system going into the summer as well - so there are actually added health benefits to spring cleaning! Removing any clutter or unwanted/unneeded items will also free up space in your home and make it even easier to keep your home clean during the spring and summer months. I know the holidays can really make items pile up in your home between the decor and gifts throughout the winter season, now is a perfect time to make sure everything has a place in your home.
This is also a great time to rearrange your home, redecorate, add that new paint color, or even replace furniture with something that matches the new look you are going for in your home. Spring cleaning gives you the opportunity to reinvent your living spaces by giving you a fresh start and less clutter and dust to work around. Spring is the perfect time to start over and make your space a place that you want to be and have friends and family over to enjoy it with you as well. Remember, summer parties are just around the corner!
Why Not… Renovate your Home Office?
Why Not… Renovate your Home Office?
This month marks one year of working from home for a lot of people in America, which means you’re probably spending a lot of time within the four walls of your home office. After being in the same space every day, it’s more than likely time for a good home-office revamp!
Having a home office space that is organized, well-lit, and inviting is essential to spark your creativity and motivate you throughout the work day. Even if your home office is in a small room or maybe a shared space with your spouse or in the corner of your spare bedroom - there is always room for improvement to make the space feel more like your own.
Since you are probably spending a lot of time at your desk these days it is so important that your desk is the right size, has plenty of storage, and the placement is key! If you have a window in your office, you should consider moving your desk under it. This will give you the option of having nice natural lighting, a view of the outdoors, and you can open the window to get some fresh air and a breeze when the weather is nice. Next, you’ll want to make sure that you have a comfortable chair that gives you plenty of support - this is probably something that you want to splurge on. Your desk and chair are going to take up the most space and therefore are likely to be the main focal point when you or guests walk into your home office.
Some easy ways that you can really make your home office a bright and motivational space for yourself, is making sure that you have decor that isn’t distracting or cluttering your work area. I’d recommend adding things that make the space feel warm and inviting such as family photos, small trinkets, and neutral colors. To make your office feel more lively and bright, try adding things like hanging plants or small potted plants to your bookshelves and window sills. A fresh coat of paint and a new area rug are also simple ways to improve your room and can easily be made to fit any renovation budget you are working with.
Interested in renovating your home office, but don’t know where to start? Contact me today, I’d be happy to take a look at your space and design something perfect for your home office!
Why Not… Remodel Your Bathroom?
Let’s talk bathrooms! Why is the bathroom the last room of the house to get a remodel? A total revamp isn’t always the answer. If the main fixtures are fine and up-to-date…skip over them and get to work. Smaller bathrooms can be remodeled in a weekend…so why not give it a shot?
Painting walls is one of the easiest and quickest ways to remodel. The most important step in painting is the prep work. Remove everything from the walls, wash them down, and fill in any holes. The next step would be to use painter tape and plastic to cover up areas you don’t want to paint. (This step will also help with clean-up and help prevent “oopsies”.) Once you have everything prepped, paint away! The final step is to clean-up to admire your work and prepare yourself for the compliments!
Another way to update your powder room is to change out the tile or flooring. This may or may not be something you want to conquer on your own. If you are handy and enjoy DIY projects, there are many resources that can guide you through the prep and installation process of updating flooring and tile. On the other hand, if the thought of tearing up old tile or flooring causes a pain in your gut…get help! Whether you bribe that friend that loves to DIY or pay a contractor you will be happy with the results.
If you are not up for any of these tasks, you can still remodel your bathroom with ease. The simplest way to refresh your bathroom is to re-decorate! For a small amount of money and very little time and effort, you can change out the shower curtain, pictures, soap dish, etc. Add some decorative items and voila…you have a remodeled bathroom!
Why Not… Decorate with Plants?
Does your décor need a refreshing upgrade? How about using plants as decorations?
Plants are extremely versatile, add oxygen into the air, and can be infused into any decorating style. These timeless treasures come in many sizes, shapes, colors, and varieties…the offerings available are endless and can accommodate everyone’s style.
When purchasing plants, it’s important to consider the placement in the home. How much sunlight does the room get? How much space is available? How big will the plant grow? Make sure you understand what the plant needs to thrive (i.e., how much water, sunlight, soil, food, etc.). If you have small children or animals, you will also want to be aware of any plants that are poisonous. Don’t have a green thumb, no worries…There are plenty of plant varieties that require very little maintenance. Don’t fret over the container it’s planted in either, that can easily be changed to make a statement or blend seamlessly into your décor.
Need some ideas? Small pots filled with herbs would be a great addition to the kitchen. Not only will they brighten up the kitchen, they will also double as seasoning for your meals. Add a fern or hanging vine plant in the bathroom. Place a small tree in a movable pot in the living room corner or create a planter with a variety of plants as a center piece. Use your imagination and get creative!
So, what is stopping you? If you are unsure where to start, take a trip to your local nursery and explore. The staff will be able to answer all your questions and offer you suggestions based on the environment of your home. Whether you choose to bring simple or exotic plants into your home, your décor will be brought to life!
Why Not… Add Some Fresh Paint?
Why Not… Add Some Fresh Paint?
The start of a new year tends to bring a season of change for us, because it feels like a fresh start. Each year, many of us write new goals and visions of what we want the next 365 days to like it. It’s not uncommon to want to enter into a season of growth in the new year either, and with that season we welcome change. This is a perfect opportunity to change up your home and make it feel more ‘you’ for the new year! Why not… add some fresh paint?
Never underestimate what a coat of fresh paint can do for you home, it can completely change the look and the feel of a room. There is even science behind the ways that color can affect our moods, which is why it is so important to pick a color you love. There is no better time than the beginning of a new year and new season of growth to add some fresh paint in your home!
After you declutter you home, which we talked about in my previous blog, you’re bound to notice some things in your home that you’d like to change to match your vision and inspire you in the new year. This is a perfect opportunity to head to the paint store and take a look at all of the color choices, or consult an interior designer for assistance in bringing your dreams to life.
Maybe you’ll even choose one of Pantone’s Color of the Year for a room in your home?
Why Not... Declutter for a New Year?
Why Not… Declutter for a New Year?
There is something so refreshing and reviving about starting a New Year. For most of us, we see entering the next year as a new start and an opportunity for growth and self-improvement. With this season of change, we typically try to consider things in our lives that are stress points, and find creative ways to lessen the burden on ourselves. Something that we often overlook though, is how stressful clutter can be for us. So… why not declutter for the New Year?
This past year has also been a wild ride. In 2020, we spent a lot of time at home due to the pandemic - which means we’ve really been living in our homes. I’m sure you picked up a new hobby or two, or participated in your fair share of online shopping to pass the time by. I think I can speak for all of us when saying we could use a nice clean home to bring in the new year!
Nothing is quite as satisfying as coming home at the end of the day to a nice clean home. At the end of a long day, nobody wants to come home and have to clean or look at clutter on their counters or table tops. The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to go through your home and find things that you no longer use or like, to create space for all of the things you received over the holidays. Plus, you’re likely to buy or receive more things this year.
Decluttering can seem overwhelming, especially if it isn’t something that you do on a regular basis. I recommend getting a few boxes and going room by room, this will make the task much more manageable. Once the room is clean you can take one drawer, cabinet, or shelf at a time by pulling everything out of the drawer/cabinet/shelf and only putting back the things that you want to keep and know that you will use in the future.
A tip that I learned recently for keeping a clean house, is by doing a 20-minute minute cleanup each evening before bed. If you do one chore and do a sweep of your house for items that are out of place, you will always wake up to and come home to a clean home. Let me know if you try this method, and if it helps you have a more peaceful year!
Why Not... Use Holiday Place Settings?
Why Not…
Use Holiday Place Settings?
Christmas time is here again, and as I’ve said in a previous blog: why not… use what you have? A tip I was given years ago... by a much wiser and older friend - break out your Christmas dishes after Thanksgiving use them for your everyday dishes through the New Year. This way you truly get to use them and enjoy them!
Holiday place settings are a great way to spruce up your home for the holiday season, and it gives you a reason to display dishes that you don’t get to use all year. So many people have dishes packed away, only to be used on Christmas day. If you choose to use your settings as Christmas décor, you can admire them all month!
Leaving your place settings set on your table brings warmth to your home, and you get to admire dishes that are typically stored away throughout the remainder of the year. A great way to make your dining room table feel more elegant, is by adding a cloth tablecloth and cloth napkins to your place settings. If you are decorating for the holidays on a budget, there are options in every price range. The best part of using cloth, is that it is easy to wash and reuse for years to come. If you already have a white table fabric tablecloth, that is a great color to make your decorations pop! Some great additions for your table besides the place settings are garland, small pine cones or mini trees, and candles down the center or on a table runner. There is nothing that makes a dinner feel elegant and warm than soft candle light on the table. Even if you don’t have Christmas or holiday specific dinnerware, you can still pull out your nice china and add some holiday cloth napkins, candles, and garland to make your table feel festive and warm for your family and friends.
For many people, the kitchen and/or dining room become the most inhabited room during the Christmas season. Between hosting family and friends, there is plenty of cooking and baking and cocktail making to be done. Why not enjoy a beautiful view that is sure to remind you of the joy to come when your family gathers around your dinner table on Christmas day?
At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how you choose to decorate your home for the holidays. What matters is that it represents your personal style, and that it is welcoming for your family and friends to come in and gather around. I’m sure your home will feel cozy with all of the love and conversation around the dinner table and the décor you choose.
Merry Christmas!
Why Not... Decorate for Christmas?
December has arrived, and what a journey has it been to get here. I don’t think that 2020 was what many of us were expecting, and it has definitely had its ups and downs for us all. But, we have made it and we deserve to celebrate and unwind with family and friends. So – why not… decorate for Christmas?
Christmas is a time where your freshly decorated house just feels so much cozier than it did last month. Things seem quieter sitting beside a dimly lit tree, the scent of your balsam candle and Christmas cookies wafting through the air, and reminiscing on all of the fond memories that come along with each decoration that you’ve acquired over the years.
Something that I find so special about Christmas décor, is that everyone does it a little bit differently with traditions passed down from generation to generation, modified over time to adjust to the newest trends. Even though we all are a little different, we all have that one item that must go out every single year – without fail!
When decorating your home for Christmas this year, try not to overlook the small details that can really tie together all of the hard work you’ve put into your home’s decor. It can be as easy as wrapping your presents in advance and neatly stacking them under the tree, or hanging your stockings by the fireplace. Maybe try adding jars of ornaments or holiday candy jars as decoration for your tables, countertops, or bars. Even spreading some unscented white candles or holiday candles throughout your home can bring in the cozy holiday feeling when you light them in the evenings. Last, but not least - adding holiday place settings to your dining room table can be perfect final touch… but more on this to come in my next Why Not!
At the end of the day, no matter how you choose to decorate your home – it is going to be the place that you get to unwind at the end of the day spend time with your loved ones chatting over Christmas cookies. It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be you.
Why Not…Frame Photographs Inspired by Your Work
It is shot from overhead, lending an edgy, “what exactly is this” feel to the photo. It reflects a part of my design sensibility, contrasting linear elements with shape and varying materials. A client spent a lifetime working in heavy industry. He had a photographer take close up black and whites from various angles of heavy equipment components and enlarged them to line a hall way in a second home. To the untrained eye (just about all of us) the photographs are mysterious, interesting, and architectural. Steel, heavy chain, bolts in artistic composition. To him, they reflect a career. If you are a writer, take some close up photographs of the keys and inner workings of an old style typewriter, the ribbons and interior striking mechanisms, enlarge them and frame them. They will not only constantly remind you of who you are and what you love, but will add interest and mysterious style to your room. So, why not use your artistic sensibility and frame some photographs inspired by your work.
I am a strong believer in surrounding yourself with the intimate spirit and graceful happiness of sanctuary. The rhythm and overall scale of your house needs to reflect a network of private and public spaces that remind you of things serenely reflective of your life’s experiences and should also trail in its wake the vast pool of things we call our lives. In a previous “Why Not…” blog, I suggested we frame a meaningful card or letter from a loved one, a reminder of a wonderful moment in our life. I am now suggesting that we all consider framing a photograph (preferably a black and white photograph) of something from our life’s work. For example, I have a black and white photograph of a shower I designed for a specific space in my home.
Why Not…Use What You Have
I am held hostage. Captive actually. By the house I live in. Yes, it’s true the doors do open and close freely. And I can see the sun through the bar less windows, the ancient oak canopy overhead making dark patterns on the lawn. And I can come and go as I wish, unrestricted. But when I return, the house is still there with that crazy hold on me. As if the azaleas and Confederate jasmine were ropes and chains tightly wrapped around the brick walls. Why is that you ask? Because my house is constantly calling for me to rearrange it, to change the paint colors (the front door recently found itself pink) and shift the furniture and furnishings into new forms, molded into new shapes and patterns. Sometimes these calls are whispers, silent and secret declarations in my ear. But sometimes they are screams of anguish that say you MUST rearrange me NOW. Ah. No. Not now I say. Bleh. But to no use. The house has to be obeyed. Do you ever feel like that? If you do, then you know exactly what I mean. So when those screams of change arrive, use the things that you have. You don’t always have to go shopping for new furniture (although shopping is a lot of fun). I always try to use what I have first. Case in point. One of my guest bedrooms was arranged informally with low twin beds, catch all tables, and a mixture of art from different times and places in my life. It had been in need of a serious make over for some time and the time had come according to those inner voices. I had four old shutters that I had divided into twos and hung on the wall as head boards for the twin beds, a lamp and table between them. I moved the beds together, raised them with bed risers and brought all four shutters together in the middle of the wall, creating a perfect king headboard.
I put a couple of cool aqua art deco tables from another room on each side of the “new” king, moved a chair with a great, updated fabric on it off to one side, and hung a Butler landscape on the shuttered headboard with twine adding texture and depth to the bed and wall. I brought in some large pillows that had been in storage (just waiting for their new home) and finished it off with a king size comforter that I had but wasn’t using. Viola. The room transformed from cottage twin to elegantly chic king guest room. Without buying a thing. And the bonus? The room actually felt and looked bigger. So why not use what you have when it’s time for a change. You will quiet those shouts and whispers and will likely end up with something you love.
Why Not…Entertain in Your Backyard
One of my favorite things to do is to set a table in the backyard and have dinner under the stars. Whether it’s a romantic dinner for two or a gathering of family and friends, nothing beats the fun and excitement of serving dinner by moonlight among the fragrances and sounds that dimple the evening hours. You can add a festive radiance with 20 foot ribbons of indoor/outdoor round lights (they are inexpensive and easy to order on line) arranged among the low oak tree branches that arch like a canopy over your grass. Place candles in glass hurricane candleholders on a white table cloth to create a subtle, warm glow and use colorful plates and glasses to catch the reflected light. I like to add a touch of elegance by draping ivory lengths of fabric off the backs of the chairs and I often place arrangements of flowers (I like to use hydrangeas) from the yard in mason jars filled with colorful slices of fruit (oranges, lemons) and water. I can almost feel the thick, cool scent of Confederate jasmine scrolling through the air and dusting the evening with its natural perfume. Prepare a simple yet special dinner so that you can spend time with your guests outside. Consider a pork loin that can cook in the oven unattended and a salad made ahead of time so that the transition from kitchen to table can be accomplished easily and without a lot of fuss. We need to remember we live in a world filled with natural poetry that can transform a simple evening meal or tea party with a best friend into an event with just a little thought and preparation. So why not entertain in a very special, exotic space that is overflowing with new and graceful sensations. Your own backyard.