Throwing Out The Box - Part Deux
"Home should be your sanctuary. Today's world can sometimes sadden me - we are overworked, often underpaid and scrounging to make ends meet yet we are constantly connected to our phones, our computers, our work. We all need a place to unwind and what better place to do that than home?" You remember this from our last discussion? The rules still apply :-) So what other elements can we apply to your home so that it truly IS your sanctuary. Items 1 through 3 were VERY important so I hope you have given them some thought. Let's keep up the momentum, shall we? 4. Organic: Keeping your home alive is the best advice I can offer you. Now I am not telling you to change your life, start eating organic (although there's nothing wrong with that) or change your lifestyle. I am telling you to keep your interior real. Nature has HUGE healing properties. And while you may not be "in tune" with nature (case in point, myself, who has a healthy dose of respect for nature but for goodness sake, don't ask me to sleep outdoors!) you can introduce some of the elements to give the illusion of bringing nature inside. NO, I do not want to see a home full of houseplants, no I do not want you to go from modern to country, and no, I am not trying to convert you. I want you to have the feeling of the great outdoors, with a giant twist. Introduce greenery...an easy-to-care for Bamboo plant, PAINT, decorative rocks or stones, SHAPE. I cannot stress the need for organic shapes enough. Shape is important, shape is real, shapes are soothing. Some examples of all these...
Bamboo in a window sill will bring a room to light
Shapes are calming - shapes are true
Sage green grounds this space
See how easy that was? Need more? Fresh flowers on a wood table captures nature effortlessly. A metal wall hanging in a traditional room grounds a space...the possibilities are endless. MOST IMPORTANT TIP THAT I CANNOT STRESS ENOUGH - REALLY. Dried flowers are a thing of the PAST (really cannot stress that enough) - Toss them. Immediately. Dead flowers equal dead home. Go on, do it.
Wood comes alive with greenery and river rocks (courtesy FreshHome)
5. Mix and Match Most often heard "argument" between my clients - We Don't Have The Same Taste! PSHAW, I say! Do not be afraid dear readers. So you are modern and he is country. So he is traditional and you are eclectic. Fear not. As you were married, we can marry your tastes and styles.
His shabby table - your modern chairs (credit RH)
Your country paired with his traditional (note the table greenery!!) (credit: RH)
Credit: Prairie Perch
Do you see how all the elements work together? You can have brilliant spaces by mixing and matching the tastes and preferences of everyone in your home. It works! Not sure how exactly? Consult with us... 6. Finally, Let There Be Air Nothing is more stifling to your psyche than dead air. It's harmful to your well being and can impact your days and nights. Baby, it can be hot outside. Baby, it can be cold outside. OPEN UP THE WINDOWS. The biggest "pick-me-up" I can offer you is fresh air. Even in the dead of winter, opening up the windows can clear your mind. Take 5 minutes to open up every window in your home (regardless of the temps outside) and BREATHE. Just for 5 minutes then you can close it back up. Air circulation does the mind so much good and you will infinitely feel better in your space. And let there be light...Do away with those heavy draperies and open up your space. You can purchase light weight draperies that offer heat insulation properties now so you are longer weighed down by heavy fabrics and light blocking draperies. In the evenings, turn off the lights and light some candles. Not only is it romantic, it's so calming. You'll have no choice but to relax. The harshness of bright, overhead lights are tough on the eyes and do us no good. We don't need bright, artificial light - dim the bulbs, enjoy the ambiance - make a change.
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I hope I have allowed you to take a few steps forward to your new and improved living arrangements. Baby steps and an open mind are all it takes. Don't be boxed in by the box, and don't feel you have to think outside of it. Forget the darn box! It it feels right, do it. If it makes you happy inside, do it. If you need assistance, please feel free to contact me. It's difficult to address all the steps in one blog post, so if you need more, just ask. It's what I'm here for. Enjoy the peace my friends. P.S. Next week we'll address some of the most frequently asked questions I get. Stay tuned.