Unique, Personal Style

Sure, the design mags make it all look so straightforward. Here’s Modern, here’s Traditional, here’s Country, and here’s Urban. Here’s Victorian, here’s Colonial, he’s Retro, and here’s Bohemian. You squint at the photos and hem and hah and ask yourself under what style you can place yourself. For some it’s easier than others but I would dare to guess that most people would say that they tend toward a certain style BUT…they would change this, this, and that. Certainly, this is a great way to start. These well-known styles have been honed by the design world over the last century and by following a few of the rules associated with a particular style, you can create a balanced base upon which to build. I think it is essential, though, to see them only as a base.

There are several problems with following a style down to the letter. Like airbrushed models in fashion magazines that make us run to the closest cosmetics department and overspend on useless, exaggerated products, design magazines boast homes that have been completely staged and make us look at our own homes and crave what we don’t have or can’t afford. This can lead to frustration and even unhappiness. The key is to see the photos for what they are and to take from them what ideas we can and, within reason and budget, apply these ideas to our own homes. You may have seen a photo of a gorgeous 4500 square foot farm-house with an incredible dining room. If you live in a town home with eight foot ceilings, you cannot, ever, have clearstory windows and vaulted ceilings with wooden beams over your dining room as shown in the photo. You can, however, brighten your room with paint and appropriate window treatments, and introduce rustic wooden furniture to give it a similar feel.

The other problem, and I think the greatest one, is that if you don’t make your home YOU, even if you have perfected a particular style right down to the salt and pepper shakers, you will end up unhappy with it. I mean, a country girl cannot, no matter how hard she tries, feel at home in the straight edges and cold stone and steel of a modern home. She might appreciate the uncluttered look of modern, and even lust after an Egg chair, but she, for the sake of her soul, needs the patina of well-worn paint, floral patterns, and a collection of antique bowls lining the pine hutch in the dining room. Supposing she does sacrifice these things for a cohesive, modern look. Her friends come over, and although they are surprised at her choice, can’t but compliment her on a beautiful home. This may satisfy her for a while, but taking away the elements that make her feel comfortable, will eventually lead to a displeasure and uneasiness about her home. With frustration, she’ll eventually start looking for ways to bring back what she needs. The fusion of styles may or may not work. If they don’t, she’ll probably claim that her style must be eclectic because her style suddenly seems incoherent.

Eclecticism has become the catch-phrase for folks who don’t think that they have style or are that what they truly appreciate isn’t cohesive enough to have a style associated with it. First of all, eclectic is actually a term associated with an art movement that incorporates several artistic forms from different periods or origins. Secondly, it certainly can be applied to interior design, but is not done haphazardly but rather with intent. A true eclectic design, will, in the end look as perfected and well-balanced as any other categorized style.

So, then, what do you call your style that doesn’t seem to match any category? I call it Unique, Personal Style and it is the best of anything out there. It reflects who you are and it speaks to you. Well, then, how do I show my personal style without everything looking mismatched, tacky, or chaotic? You have to do three things. One, you have to identify the objects that you own, or wish to own, that bring you pleasure. Perhaps there’s a painting you saw in a local gallery, or a set of nesting tables you inherited from your grandmother you can’t live without. Make a list of the top five. Then consider what makes them so important to you. Is it the colour or the subject of the painting or both? Is it the turned legs and ornate brass pulls or is it simply the neatness of the stacked tables? Next, do look at magazines and try to identify with one or two of the categorized styles. Perhaps you will like a combination of urban and country. Make a collection of inspiration photos. Lastly, you need to purge. You need to get rid of anything that does not please you esthetically or creates clutter – but do consider that some objects can be re-finished or re-upholstered. Take the unwanted to a charitable organization.

Essentially, once the above three steps are done, you should have a clean slate and a direction to work toward. First consider the bones of the space and look at your inspiration photos for hints on how to best arrange your furniture. Second, and this is key, highlight your choice objects within your design. Place a beautiful piece of pottery front and foremost on your buffet. Select cushions for your sofa that pick up your favourite colour in your favourite painting (ensuring, of course, that it doesn’t clash with your sofa). Create an arrangement on your nesting tables that draws the eyes to them – a pretty lamp, framed photos, and a delicate ornament. If you can’t afford to implement everything you want right away, don’t worry. Keep the desired item in mind, leave a place for it, and acquire it when you can. Your style is something that will metamorphose over time anyway and therefore your home design should never be considered finished (although you want to make it look as finished as possible). Your home should always reflect who you are and continue to make you comfortable and happy. It should be a place that exudes your unique, personal style!

Warming Trends: The Fireplace Reinvented

Without poetry, to live is simply to exist. ~ Dominique Imbert, Creator of Focus

For years now, fireplace trends seem to have been more concentrated on the look of the surround than the actual fireplace itself. All sorts of gorgeous materials have been introduced like concrete, cultured stone, and stainless steel to make the fireplace wall a beautiful focal point. But what about the actual box itself where the action happens? Certainly we’ve moved from horrid heat sucking monoliths to high efficiency inserts. The option for gas as opposed to wood-burning has become commonplace and easily accessible in North America. But essentially, the fireplace has remained a boring little box which can only be located in homes with venting capabilities.

Life Outside the Box
For those of you who would enjoy a little poetry in your lives, let me introduce you to life outside the box. A company called Focus, its headquarters in France, has reinvented the fireplace and proved that, with a little creativity, a fireplace (not just it’s surround) can be art. Focus fireplaces can be inserted into a wall, hung from a wall, or suspended from the ceiling. Many of these fireplaces can be either wood burning (with low CO2 emissions) or gas, but they have also created a Bioethanol burning fireplace which I will expand upon below. The thing which I think I appreciate most about their creations are that, although in the catalogue all the fireplaces are shown in modern spaces, they can easily suit a wide variety of styles. Let me show you some examples.

Art

Sculpture

Suspended

Clean

Going Green and Free
Bioethanol fireplaces are just starting to pop up around North America and Europe. Essentially, the combustion of ethanol creates only water vapour, making these types of fireplaces very easy on the environment. It also allows the fireplace to be placed anywhere in the home, even in apartments that were not built with any way to vent smoke and fumes of wood and gas. They create a warmth that is adjustable (like gas) and a fantastic ambiance from a table top or from within a wall.

According to their catalogue, Focus has only one model of Bioethanol fireplace but I suspect, as the popularity grows, they will produce others.

Fabulous

Do you think we really need to settle for a box? Certainly not.

For more information on Focus see their international website:
http://www.focus-creation.com

For more information on Focus in Canada (Ontario) see their Canadian website:
http://www.focusfireplace.ca
or CF+D Custom Fireplace Design

For more information on Bioethanol fireplaces available in Canada see:
Eco-Feu
Decoflame
Ecosmart Fire

Cozy Time

Today the temperatures here have dipped below 5 degrees Celsius. There’s a nip in the air you can’t ignore. Even my cats, who normally love prowling the neighbourhood, are snuggled inside on their perch showing no interest in the outdoors. It has taken about half a month longer than usual to get to this temperature…not that I’ve heard anyone complaining…but usually by now I’m well into the habit of warming by the fire and cooking stews and hearty soups. As I ushered the kids out the door to school, dressed in their winter coats and toques, the picture of a rustic cabin, a wisp of white smoke rising from the chimney, came into my mind. I wrapped my sweater around me and smiled. Cocooning time has arrived. What makes you feel warm and cozy?

A rustic cabin on the shores of Georgian Bay. I love the warmth of the wood and the enormous stone fireplace. I personally think a more comfy chair may be required there though.

This just looks, tidy, comfy, and cozy. I love the mix of antique and new, as well as the warm tones, of wood, pottery and gilt frames.

I just want to curl up in that brown leather chair but my favourite item in the photo is the kilim covered bench. I like the subtle exotic feel introduced by the art, brass, and sculpture.

Admittedly Early American/Canadian is one my favourite styles. I love the richness of the tapestry, and the patina of the antique wood pieces. I’m also enamored with the unadorned windows.

Modern. Not usually associated with cozy but I think the use of wood brings warmth, as well as the comfortable sofas and the simple but dramatic use of branches in the vase gives a lovely sense of comfort here.

Friday Flash File: Online Design Fun with Homestyler

Years ago I had one of those software programs that allowed you to create a room or series of rooms and then decorate them with paint, flooring, window coverings, and furniture. I had it installed on my cheap IBM computer which had less memory than the smallest flash drive has these days. It took about twenty minutes to render a three-dimensional image of the room and yet, I played on it for hours never minding the glitches and creeping pace. Today, I wouldn’t even be able to run that program on any computer I have but I’ve never been able to find a replacement…until just recently.

AutoDesk, the creators of AutoCAD (the world’s premier design software), has a free online home design software called Homestyler. It’s very easy to use and a lot of fun. Like the software I used back in the good ol’ days, you can create floorplans and decorate them with furniture, paint, flooring, and other accessories. They also have premade floorplans which you can play with as well. There are even a collection of YouTube how-to videos that you can watch if you’re having trouble figuring out what to do. Once your plan is done, you can see it in 3D and then send it to your friends!

There were only a few draw backs that I encountered. One was that the catalogue of furniture was limited so sometimes you have to use something similar to what you want (in appearance and size) but not the exact piece. They also don’t seem to have any window coverings which, to me, is essential in room decor. So, if you want a precise design this is not for you. But, if you want to simply get the essence of how a room will look, this is your tool! For design geeks like me, you can spend hours just dreaming up rooms which will never come to fruition…like the one below.

But who cares? It’s FUN! Give it a try and let us know what you think!

Full-Scale Carpet Drawn by Hand

I was just about to start working on a new post when my eye caught this post by Jess Smart Smily on the WordPress homepage. If you love art and design, you’ll love seeing this man’s, Jonathan Bréchignac’s, ink work. It’s absolutely stunning. It reminds me of the projects we did in art history class – ink drawings of various art pieces from various periods – except his is a million times more impressive. I can certainly appreciate the time and concentration it takes. Please have a look!

Fall Design Trends: Think Bold!

This past weekend the Globe and Mail published the latest design trends for this fall. Many of them were very bold for certain. Some of them captured my interest and might even be doable, even on a moderate budget. You see, design trend articles in newspapers and magazines are like looking at fashion on the runway. Most of the stuff you see you would never wear, but there’s always something you can take away from it, even if it’s just a belt, and add it to your own style.

Because the majority of us can’t change our furniture or upholstery according to the season or the latest trends, accents and accessories are the way to go. So below I’ll list three of my favourite trends from the Globe’s list and I’ll make some suggestions on how to get the look in your home without breaking the bank or your back. You might be surprised how easy it can be.

Making Collections into Art (see The Globe’s #7)

Ever wondered what to do with all of your mismatched plates you inherited from your grandmother, or perhaps a collection of copper or iron pots that are cluttering your cupboards? Maybe you have an affinity for wall clocks or barometers, or antique frames. Well, if you haven’t already, now’s the time to get them out and find an artful way to display them on your walls. Planned out carefully, your collection can create a beautiful focal point while expressing your personal interests, creativity, and style.

Why I like this? Anyone with any sort of collection can create this look. Abiding by a few simple rules (found here) you can make the most out of a neglected wall area and, at the same time, gain the ability to fully appreciate your collection.
Something to consider. Another couple of trends mentioned in the Globe article were “True Blues” and “Warm Metals”. If you were to hang blue plates (or plates with blue patterns), for instance, or copper pots, you could achieve two trends at once!

Lighting Your Rooms with Fun and Different (see The Globe’s #5)

A lot of lighting fixtures can be boring and austere, especially when considering for the modern home. Interesting thing, though, is that lighting is a great way to add a touch of “whimsy” or fun into an atmosphere if the right fixture is found. Not only is it decorative but it’s also utilitarian. Now, anything different is usually expensive or hard to find so, admittedly, this could be a little more difficult to incorporate into your decor unless you actually need a new light fixture. However, I think you don’t necessarily need a large pendant light or even an electrical light at all to bring this look into your home. What about a fun or different lantern or candelabra? But make sure of one thing…it’s BOLD, even CHEEKY! Otherwise, what’s the point?

Why I like this. Honestly? I think it’s fun. And who doesn’t need a little fun in their lives? It’s kind of like having a usable piece of art hanging from your ceiling or sitting on a counter.

What to consider. Your style. There’s whimsical for every style. Just consider your colour scheme and find something that will either suit it or enhance it. And it doesn’t necessarily have to be brand new.

Bring back the Gold!

For years now we’ve been focusing on incorporating chromes, stainless steel, and other colder metals into our homes. Just a simple glance into any recent kitchen reno, and you’re likely to see stainless steel appliances. However, just to throw us a curve ball, the design world has decided to bring back gold this fall. For some of us, those who didn’t buy into the stainless steel trend, this won’t be a problem. In fact, it will probably be rather exciting. Pull out your copper pots, your brass candle holders, and your gold-plated picture frames! But for the rest of us, how can warm and cold metals be mixed in a room? My thought? Don’t worry about it too much. A subtle introduction of warm metal will warm up any room, even if rimmed with chrome. Think about a copper toned cushion or bronze plant holder.

Why do I like this? Once fall arrives, I’m all about warmth and comfort. I think a nice worn copper piece or a gold adornment will enhance any decor. And this is an easy trend to achieve by incorporating even one or two pieces.

What to consider. Don’t over do it. It could get very tacky, very quickly. Again, think about your style when bringing a new piece into your room.

Come on! Bring in Fall 2011 with something new and trendy! Look how fun and simple it can be!

Have any of these trends, those listed in the Globe and Mail article or my excerpts, inspired you?

Friday Flash File: Got Your Owl?

According to the shops in my neighbourhood, the owl is the decorative item to have this fall. They’re everywhere and you can probably find one to suit your style. You can get them as ornaments, candle holders, stuffed animals, salt and pepper shakers, on mugs and bowls and in art. You name it, I bet its been owled!

Let’s be honest…who wouldn’t want one? I got mine this afternoon from Pier 1 and, I mean, how cute is that?

What’s your favourite fall decoration?

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Comfort

Everyone finds comfort in different things. Colour, texture, and composition are some of the first things that draw the eye to a room or an area of a that room. Some people may love rich, dark colours, some like punches of bright colours, and some find rest in a room in which there is very little variation in colour. Soft pillows and plush upholstery may make one want to plunge into a large armchair or crisp cottons and airy linens may make you feel fresh and at ease. Still others may enjoy the feel of tightly drawn leather and cool, smooth tiles. Nostalgia might make a person relax in a room cluttered with books, bric-a-brac, and time-worn furniture while others may prefer streamlined modernity with a nod to the future. Whatever it is you like, you’ll be sure to know immediately upon seeing it. Our feelings of comfort are not something we can contrive, they are intrinsic and fundamental.

My favourite room in my house is my daughter’s bedroom. Before she was born, I had already chosen the bedspread. There was nothing “little girl” about it but it was definitely feminine. I wanted something she could grow into and I also knew I could build a pretty room around it. But there was more to it than that. It reminded me of the quilts at my grandmother’s house, the roses in her garden, the safety of childhood. Why wouldn’t I want to give that to my daughter? My budget didn’t allow for fine antique pieces, but I found furniture that, to me, had a similar feel to things of yesteryear and that, when brought together, created an atmosphere with which I was familiar. Creamy yellow walls give the room a light, airy feeling while bold, maroon curtains pick up the roses in her bedspread and liven things up a little. In fact, I’ve been tempted to use the same red on one of her walls but may wait until she’s older and wants a bit of a change. I can be flexible…a little.

When I see the sun coming in my daughter’s bedroom window and spreading its warm rays across her bed, I feel a sudden calm come over me. It invites me to grab a book, pile up some pillows and snuggle into a corner of her bed. That’s the feeling that comfortable design should trigger. Certainly not all design is for comfort, but that design with which we’re most familiar – our homes – should be geared to our comfort. It also doesn’t mean that we all should have the same idea of comfort. What’s important is that we take note of what gives us that sense of peacefulness and relaxation and find a way to bring it into our homes. It doesn’t have to be big or expensive, it could be as simple as a fresh bouquet of flowers on our kitchen counter that suddenly makes your kitchen your favourite and most comfortable room.

Tell me, then, what’s your favourite room and why?