To me, fashion and style seem to be something that exceeds the most commonly recognized realm of what we wear. They're concepts that can be applied to all areas of life and make the world around us more beautiful. Whether through color, texture or design, principals of fashion and style can be found everywhere, and especially in home decorating. You've seen them. The fads. The classics. Trendy personality and enduring old-fashioned romance.
When my basement got flooded out in March, it came as a blessing in disguise. I now have the opportunity to redo the area and add some touches and detail that I wouldn't otherwise have been able to do as easily. Lately, I've been cleaning up the walls for painting (while listening to some fab Ella Fitzgerald ;) and deciding what to put in for a floor. I've been trying to make these decisions with care, doing the research to select what best fits my personal style and will create a space that I'll love.
While on a recent trip to our local Lowe's, where I browsed nearly everything in the store and gathered ideas, I was struck with just how much variety of items is out there these days. I've always wondered why so many people choose simple and ordinary pieces and fixtures for their houses these days when, with a little bit of creativity, you can get so much more. Of course, those extra special touches can sometimes be more expensive, and that's where the creativity, thinking outside of the box and looking at things with different perspectives comes in.
I have seen the most gorgeous and unique pieces of furniture and fixtures at countless yard sales. So many of them, with some new fabric, paint or cleaning up, could be out-of-this-world amazing. Actually, I have purposed never to buy a new complete set of furniture (or even a used set). Picking up random, unique pieces and making them working in harmony is just so much more interesting. :)
After things like flooring and wall color, there's lots of smaller items that can go a long way to making your living space (whether you've got your own home, apartment or just a half a bedroom) perfect for you. Here's some amazingly gorgeous pieces that I hope will offer you some inspiration.
For the past couple of years, I've had a bit of an obsession with couches and chairs. They've just got so much fun variety! To me, there's nothing like snuggling into a unique and lovely chair with a great book. It's just the best.
Chairs are something easy and inexpensive to make over for your space. They're available at yard sales everywhere, and even a design as simple as the one above (left) can be made special with some lovely new fabric, or a slipcover. (And there are loads of simple sewing patterns out there to help you!)
I also really, truly love tall stools and other bar furniture. This one is just insanely gorgeous (a set of these would be a real dream). I do have at least three clunky brown stools I picked up free on the side of the road, and I plan to refinish them someday. Maybe a fun color, or some whimsicial stenciling.
If you are fortunate enough to have found a lovely and affordable bed frame - that's fabulous! If not, you can easily make your bed beautiful just by the use of fabric. Even if you aren't a quilter or don't embroider pillows cases (I haven't either), keep an eye out for blankets and comforters that fit your style and are lovely to look at. I think that sheets in yummy, bright colors are also a great idea. (Who needs plain beige? So boring! ;)
I hope this has got you turning over some ideas in your head already. Since I surprised myself and wrote a whole mouthful of design ideas, I've decided to split it into two separate posts. Be sure to check back on Thursday for the rest of my thoughts... and share your own!
I'll be seeing you... xo
0 comments:
Post a Comment