We've just entered another one of those space aged sounding years, 2011 (two thousand eleven)...quite different from the 90's which went by so fast. Now you probably know how old I am, right? Well age is physical, yes, but youth is still in your mind. In other words, if you think you're still young, YOU ARE YOUNG. Sharing your life with your kids, grandkids and really enjoying the fresh experience of it will keep your energy high. Some of us have pets to keep us laughing with their silly and entertaining ways...guilty here on that one. Regaining a youthful attitude can often be re-ignited by a physical makeover as well. I know when I watch a particular TV show, I am amazed how they transform a more middle aged woman with new hair style, makeup and updated wardrobe, shaving 10 years off her age. She feels so good about herself and it changes her outlook on the world. She suddenly feels empowered to enjoy her life in more ways than before with newfound self esteem. The major changes seem to be correct color choices, updated chic clothing suited to her body type, and great accessories. Designing interiors for 2011 can use much the same formula. It's time to revamp and rework those home spaces which need a new lift.
And so we'll enter 2011 through it's double doorways this year, with the number 11 visually signifying two columns and spiritually representing a gateway opening. This year can be an empowering year for all of us with open doors of abounding opportunity. Here are some lovely doorway views. When we enter, we hope to see a space which gives comfort, joy, beauty, peace and exitement too. Remember when decorating, that the home's architectural features (inside and out) will determine a style to follow, as does its geographical location. However you cannot judge a book by its cover; a quite traditional home will often have modern minded homeowners within, and a contemporary home may be filled with traditional oils and antique furniture. The homeowners (YOU) are the key design factor. Here are (4) doorways to open this year to update your look. The best choice is the one which works best for you.
Behind Design Door #1: DO A COLOR BOOST Consider giving your room a foundation color to liven up it's complexion. Renew your room with paint! Here are some Sherwin Williams colors that always say, "refresh and renew". You might also consider going a shade or two lighter to create a more subtle glowing backdrop canvas for your fabrics and furniture. So if you have had the same basic beige walls for a while, and want to give your room a lift, consider giving it a color transfusion. I always recommend you buy a pint of paint first and put a large 24"x24" swatch on wall before purchasing all the paint. Some local paint stores also provide free 8 x 11 color brush outs, or you can order samples online. Take a look at these photos of the same room with three different color options from Sherwin Williams. Go to www.sherwinwilliams.com and check out their fabulous room visualizer before you paint!
Behind Design Door #2: PERK UP THE PERSONALITY Every home has it's own style of architecture, thus creating its personality. You can choose to follow that styling on the interior which is safe and predicatable. However, I love to introduce a more eclectic look mixing traditional and contemporary elements together. It just creates a more youthful exciting look. Like the hair style that is all one length classic and timeless; but slant the hair up slightly in the back to create an a-line, or long layer it in back and on sides to create movement, and you've now got a more dramatic design that turns heads due to it's unexpected and youthful flare. Take a look at this absolutely gorgeous traditional Living Room with the addition of contemporary designed cocktail table of penshell and iron and antique mirrored round end table on scrolled base. Adding a few key furnishings items like these will keep the room updated and full of interest.
Behind Door #3: ADD "BLING" ACCESSORIES for drama and excitement to update your look. Replace your throw pillows with some new color or pattern to create contrast. If your budget allows, think about an area rug which is complimentary. Keep it simple and clean. Too much pattern on pattern can be confusing to the eye. Even the best professionals will have to think twice about mixing patterns with patterns when the room or client's style calls for a style such as French Provence. This Family Room incorporates a warm caramel sectional, creative throw pillows and an area rug added for detail, color, pattern while it updates the space. Here are some other great blings you can add to your home: 1) Crystal bead trim around the base of your Foyer and Powder Room lampshades is sassy and romantic, 2) Decorative mirrors with cut and bevelled mirror frames in a traditional room or... ornate carved wood framed mirrors over contemporary buffets or console tables, 3) Large crystal, seeded or color glass vases with fresh or silk flowers, 4) A mix of unique complimentary photo frames atop foyer tables, dressers or even pianos, 5) Decorative iron wall art on walls and in upper windows and 6) Artwork or Tapestries with great subject matter and scale.
Behind Door 4: CREATE GRACE SPACE One last important design tip is to leave enough "grace space" as I like to call it on your walls between artwork, on tabletops between accessories, and in your actual furniture floor plan between pieces of upholstery and casegoods. When this is more open space, rooms appear larger and cleaner and more up to date. When they are crowded with too much going on, they will look cluttered, older, very lived in and hence dated. There is a balance of course, as there is in everything. Strive for that design balance by standing back and entering your room with a new glance after it is done. The look that appeals to, say a buyer of a home after it has been design staged, IS that newer updated, fresher, uncluttered home. Keep in mind that this same principle applies to the look that will keep you young at heart and mind as you live in your home!
CELEBRATE DESIGN!
Design 4 You 4 Ever
Pamela
AVALLON DESIGN
Visit our Website: www.avallondesign.com
Design Inquiries: pam@avallondesign.com
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Pamela is an IIDA Professional Interior Designer in Northern CA. Her most current projects are in the Sacramento area, Roseville, Granite Bay, Rocklin, Lincoln, El Dorado Hills, Lake Tahoe, Truckee, Napa Valley and Sonoma. Having had a showroom for 16 years in the SF Bay Area in Woodside and Portola Valley, Pam still travels for clientele as requested from Marin to Carmel. Pam has also owned a design gallery in North Carolina for 9 years, a design office in Arizona for 4 years and worked in the states of Florida, Texas, Virginia and South Carolina designing custom residences, vacation homes, luxury model homes, country clubs and reception sales centers for golf development communities.
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"I didn't choose this career...it chose me when I first moved to California. It lit a fire inside me that has been burning now for over 30 years and thankfully, it is a career that moves and changes with me as I grow myself. Since there are so many branches of design in our industry, it allows me to continually learn more information to apply to my projects. My clients are all unique as are their styles. Reaching our design goals for their living environments is paramount, while creating a sound enjoyable design journey for them along the way. We become a design team. With design in mind and desire at heart, we transform spaces into living art." Pam
This blog is truly inspired each month by so many old and new friends alike, family members and clients. People are the pearls and gems in life. Hone, renew and refine those relationships (personal or business) and you'll find your treasure...your ship will come in.
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