Christmas Center Piece

More is Better!

Restraint is an important skill when accessorising a room. However, more really can be better. A clock is a normal, everyday, pedestrian kind of accessory. A wall of clocks, on the other hand, is bold, fun and totally intriguing. Repetition can be a powerful tool to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Decorating Shelves and Ledges: Part 3

Variety is another important aspect. Assuring that there is variety in height is essential. It also adds interest to assure variety in the type of things that get displayed. Mixing family photos with sculptures or flower arrangements is an example of this. In many of my displays, I like to include variety of texture as well as variety of objects, heights, and color, Just a few things to keep in mind as you mix and match some of your treasures.

Decorating Shelves and Ledges: Part 2

I wanted to point out that light is important to making an arrangement of objects feel rich and full. I like to use lamps as often as I can and feel that using them in unusual ways makes for interesting and captivating displays. I watched Neva Scott of Nest Feathers use them above cabinets, in library shelves, and behind toilets. We both understand the value of lamps and use them generously when decorating together or decorating our own spaces.

Decorating Shelves and Ledges

Decorating shelves and ledges can be a challenge. However, this is the perfect opportunity to display ones treasures. Often displays fall flat and lack the impact they might have had if they were done properly. Here is a very simple vignette I put together for a client using a few things they had laying around. Eventhough it is simple, it has a lot of impact. Knowing when enough is enough is often the key to success. Too little will look unfinished and too much will look like storage.

Wall Display

One of the tricks of making the most out of what you own is knowing how to display it. Attatched is a photo of a client's room who had a lot of things to display. Grouping and organizing pictures and collectables is half the battle. Even though there is a lot going on, the display looks clean, orderly, and stunning. It realy catches the eye. Instead of spending $1000 on a piece of incredible art, we acheived the same effect using less. It was the perfect touch to this otherwise charming family room.

Drama in the Entry

The first thing you see when you or others enter the home can really affect the mood of the space. I think an entry way should be interesting, dramatic, or different in some way. It should offfer something of interest to inspire and intrigue your mind. If your jaw hits the floor when you walk in, you know something is on the right track.

In this specific entry, we achieved both drama and interest. Instead of one or two frames, I plastered the entire area with frames, hung high and low. The repetition of black, white, and sepia tones is soothing and draws you in. The contrast of black and cream, large and small, and contemporary and antique catches your attention and pleases the senses. Keep in mind, a look like this is not free, but it is hardly cost prohibitive.