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.
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!