ART AND FAMILY PICTURES Changing out the art on your walls is an impactful way to change the feeling in a space. Select pieces that have a more modern vibe or create a story with the pieces you choose. Recently I designed an office waiting room and selected different prints that were representative of desert landscapes. There were soft greens, purples and blues scattered across floral, cacti and mountainous prints. I used the same type of frame for each of the prints as an additional common element. Consider a theme that is meaningful and personal to you. Gallery walls can be fun if you use your imagination. Once you select your theme, play a brainstorming game with your topic. For example, say your theme is “family”. What words remind you of family? Home, Love, togetherness, laughter, vacations, etc...now search those words on sites like Art.com or Etsy.com. See what comes up! Take it one step further...laughter = smiles, vacation = luggage...and other words that come to mind. Before you know it you’ll find creative art that represents your original theme but in a more subtle fashion. Art found on Etsy.com seller: HumanShapedRobot
Art found on Art.com
LAMPS
Designer table lamp by Currey & Company.
Designer table lamp by Circa Lighting.
Another simple change is to update your family photos. How many pictures do you have displayed that were taken within the last year? With the overwhelming “necessity” of mobile phones in our lives, certainly you’ve taken some recent photos. Use different tones like sepia or black and white and either frame them or have them matted directly onto canvas. Consider final prints in various sizes for table top images or wall hangings. Sites like Shutterfly.com or snapfish.com allow you to do all this and more right from your PC.
Art found on Art.com
Rooms were not meant to be lit by ceiling fixtures only! Table and floor lamps are simple and useful ways to incorporate new feeling with the added benefit of true functionality. Table lamps add floor lamps add necessary task lighting and can also add height to your space. Consider your table lamps as large scale decor adding a rich fullness to your space. Retail stores offer a variety of options at very reasonable prices allowing you to incorporate current trends in your space for minimal investment. Trade favorite sources expand that offering to truly unique art-like pieces. Brands like Currey & Co. and Visual Comfort feature larger scale fixtures that bring instant rejuvenation to any space. Guest designers often showcase unique pieces through each of these sources as well, allowing special finds to be had.
DECOR Ditch the candlestick holders and introduce something new! I like to abide by the “less is more” approach with finishing touches allowing the natural beauty of the space to be the centerpiece. Decorative objects and sculptures add interest with different finishes and shapes. Focus on fewer, bigger pieces instead of many smaller objects. Trays are a great layering piece for smaller objects that you may have, allowing you to create vignettes or groupings of each. Groups always work best in odd numbers so for example three small objects work better than two. Vases are another worthy option...with fresh flowers even better! Sticking with odd numbers again, consider three different size vases grouped together or use all of the same size for a linear approach.
Decorative objects by West Elm.
Be brave! Be bold! Whichever home accents you choose to use be sure to tag us on instagram @designyourmonday or send pictures of your refreshed space to jennifer@designyourmonday.com. Most importantly, enjoy being home in the new year! Decorative objects by West Elm. 2017-18 Winter
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