Mix it up…but stay TRUE!!!
Almost without exception, I steer away from the matchy-matchy. I bet you have seen exactly the type of design that I’m preaching about. Matching side tables to go with the matching chairs that sit in front of the fireplace with the matching candlestick lighting fixtures …the wood color and type throughout matches and …oh sorry…I’ve bored myself to sleep…*yawn*..wake me up when you can tell me something interesting:)
Now, don’t get me wrong, there are most definitely times when having some matching sets not only works, but works well. I am talking about the design that screams boredom and lack of imagination and creativity. Somewhere along the line the fact that mixing not only design styles and genres, but also wood finishes and types, furnishings in the same space and everything else that goes into a space got lost.
Remeber when you’re putting your room together that, unless you are making the concept of the space true to a specific style or era, you can easily mix it up…just be thoughtful. Naturally, you should choose only a style of furniture that suits and appeals to you . When you’re mixing those different styles, just make sure that the pieces compliment each other. Styles that are similar in scale, texture and lines will go well together. Mixing light and dark woods in the same room is a very pleasing contrast.
The bottom line is: Be CREATIVE and use your imagination and if you get stuck…CALL a designer:)
If You’re Not Moving Forward…You’re Staying Behind….
What does that mean, Miss Carma???? Well, in a nutshell….I have made the big decision to move on to a larger space that will help my business grow and help my clientale see what’s the latest and greatest with all things design!
It’s hard to move on when I love the people I work around…I’ve been with The Uncommon Gift for quite awhile now..moving to the new location in 2009…so we’ve become family. So sad to say goodbye and still so excited to move on…quite the dichotomy.
So, stay tuned for the happenings and mishaps of the move…:) Good Thoughts, Carma
Traditional Home – the short list:)
There are always items that specific styles of decor and design need to have. I’m here to give you some 411 on what the more Traditional style of decor calls for. Some are just BASIC…but they are still worth mentioning.
For the more Traditional style, a versatile and ever useful console is a must. I always suggest that you invest in quality on the “forever” type of furniture. You know the kind I’m talking about: the kind that no matter what, you know you will always use and need. If you invest in quality for these “forever” pieces you’ll actually be SAVING money because it will last a lifetime. Solid and dependable, a great console can be used as a sideboard in a dining room, or a very versatile storage unit in the family room or even as a media center in the master bedroom or family room! Talk about versatile! Classic pieces adapt to the seasons of family life.
When it comes to art work, here’s where to use some WOW factor wall art. Select traditional scenery, still life or even tapestry. If you cannot find an architectural focal point (such as a large picture window or a fireplace), then try a single piece of art that commands the space and makes it come alive. It’s an added bonus when the over-sized art makes an undersized budget stretch!
Sit down with style and comfort! Traditional rooms, especially Traditional style family rooms must have a “curl up and get comfy” cushy chair. The kind of cushy and delicious little chair that is perfect for watching television and relaxing with the fam and friends:).
Storage with style and versatility. Who doesn’t need more storage??? A sweet and stylish open bookshelf displays favorite keepsakes, organizes books and adds a nice stretch of height to your Traditional room. Really a “must have”.
Texture! One of my most favorite subjects! Texture is absolutely as important as color and style. I LOVE mixing textures. It brings forth so much interest and depth. Combining nubby linens, soft velvets and other natural fibers, make a room feel luxurious and that’s as good as it gets. Traditional styling calls for velvets, linens, silks and spun beauty!
Welcome! Every entry must have a welcoming entry table or console. It can be a chest of drawers, a small bookshelf tucked into a small delicate space or a pedestal table as a focal point in the middle of the room. You just need to carve out a spot by your door for keys, mail, your designer bag..whatever it is that you’re always searching for!
Mirror, mirror on the wall! Traditional meets exceptional. Plop an over-sized mirror on the floor or fasten it to the wall…either way, you’re making a statement. A great way to bring the outside in is to have your mirror opposite a window. The reflection also helps to make the room appear larger. Sweet!
DIVINE seating! There’s a reason that designers insist that the sofa is home’s most important furnishings….its where we all really live:) The best in comfort and design is the down filling! A poly-down mix is where form meets function! Love it!
When it comes to accessorizing, remember that it’s the little things that give your home a BIG personality! Select accessories that have special meaning and bring a smile to your heart with every glance.
What is YOUR Color Personality?
I bet you already knew that color has energy. When you think about color as having varying wavelengths then it makes perfect sense. Most of us are naturally attracted to a specific color. What’s your favorite color and what does it say about YOU?
RED: Dominant and strong. You are a risk taker and a visionary…you’re courageous and willing to go out on a limb!
ORANGE: Balanced. You are both mentally and physically balanced. Typically happy, loyal and easy going…willing to take each day as it comes.
YELLOW: Enigmatic! You’re typically happy and cheerful, charming and intelligent. Both creative and even somewhat psychic. A great negotiator.
GREEN: Grounded. You are not easily swayed and will remain loyal to your point and your people. You attack problems logically and find balance between the physical and the mental.
BLUE: Devoted. You are an idealistic and empathetic care giver. A natural mom!
INDIGO: Ambitious! You have a great lust for life and a somewhat impulsive/curious streek. You have an inner-knowing!
VIOLET: Loving. An old soul with the artistic and sentimental flavor for life.
So, what do you think….?? Do these describe you and your personality? If you’re thinking about creating a space that speaks to YOU and reflects your personality, call me!
A New Year! A New Hue!
Because I am blessed with the gift of doing a job that I truly love and having a career that chose me as much as I chose it, I like to keep abreast of the latest and greatest, the newest and brightest in all things DESIGN. This doesn’t mean I always go with the newest, most tantalizing, all the “bells and whistles” gadget, design, color pallet or anything remotely like that! I just gotta know! It brings me true joy to view what “they” or the “powers that be” in design have presented. One of my favorite design concepts is COLOR or HUE. So with no further adieu, lets talk some hue:)
So this year brings new hues to the forefront and while one can rarely completely change the interior color pallet of their home each and every year (and who would want to?), it is fun to know what small changes one can make utilizing the latest color trends?
This new year brings about a lot of talk and influence that have clearly started much earlier, but are even more prominent now. GLOBAL concepts and GREEN living. The neutral hues for 2010 are earthy and saturated though they have lessened in their saturation just slightly. Going green has a number of meanings and tremendous influences in just about every aspect of our lives these days. With regard to color, more organic and natural elements are being used in the process and creation of product. Colors derived from natural organic matter such as berries will bring a lot of neutral colors back into play such as beiges, browns, greens and so forth.
While the neutral pallet is moving toward the earthy, muddy hues, the global influence introduces some vibrant and intense hues. So, expect to see some earthy browns and greens mixed with the more vibrant oranges, pinks and purples. Rich plums and purple hues continue to pull through the new year and decade and the less saturated pinks and lavender are reintroduced in small doses.
Look for some vibrant yellows (great for a sunny kitchen and kitchen dining area) and soothing greens. For metallics we’re going to see gold make a comeback.
So, pick a new hue for 2010 and bring it into your home in small doses. How about a couple new accessory pillows in a beautiful plum with a red tassel??? WOW! It’s easy to do…just ask a designer friend you know…like me:) Carma Zarosinski with Carma For Design!