Check out the recording from June's Keep It Simple, Summer Design Chat Sneak Peek livestream!
https://www.facebook.com/LaZBoyofGulfcoast/videos/1442374652530136/
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Keep it simple, it's summertime.
Summer is an attitude. Summer is keeping it simple. Summer is a break. I love my house in the summer. Mother Nature is my designer. Sunshine is my go-to partner for summer decorating. The summer sunlight comes pouring in all day through the windows and French doors in my house. But, she is a tough taskmaster and requires that I work harder than I really want to keep the windows clean and shiny. But, if she is going to work ten to twelve hours a day, the least I can do is keep the windows sparkling so she can show off her glory. When the sun, my summer partner, gets really enthusiastic, I am prepared with a window unit air conditioner in my bedroom. It hums all night at a nippy 68 degrees, like the air conditioners at old Holiday Inns that put condensation on the windows by morning. I don't even mind that the woven wood shade and silk draperies are pulled up and to the side making room for the glorious factory air. Here function definitely takes the front seat to form. The treatment of the window treatment is not pretty, however, there is two pair of French doors in the room dressed in silk draperies that are very pleasing to the eye and more than make up for the temporary design infraction on the west wall. The kitchen is a great summer spot. When I can, I have a wooden bowl filled with fresh veggies in season. I try to eat them before they go bad, I confess, I don't always succeed. These seasonal jewels make their own statement. Eggplant, tomatoes, onions, and corn on the cob, are the originals in organic design. The colors of summer vegetables are fabulous, Mother Nature really does put on a show. Together they say summer is here and the season is as temporary as the homegrown veggies. Mother Nature with her deep, sensuous and vibrant colors makes our effort at interior paint color seem pale and lifeless. Aside, I tried to grow tomatoes, my plant yielded five tomatoes the size of golf balls, despite my efforts at watering and fertilizing. The crop was tasty but tiny, and after the less than bountiful harvest, the whole plant surrendered herself back to Mother Nature. I am going to stick to decorating and let those with the green thumbs work their own magic. So, put on your flip-flops, kick back and bask in the sunlight. Don't miss Mother Nature's summer light show, fall will be here soon enough. My son is a Marine, Sergeant Norman, E-5. I found this description of Marine moms. It’s true.
The Marine mom:
Freedom is the greatest gift there is. It is fragile and precious, and must be protected at all costs. I am one of the lucky Marine moms. He is home, safe and sound. There are moms who will never hear that voice on the other end of the phone again. Pray for her, especially this weekend. We can’t know her pain and she doesn’t expect us to. For her we can stop and embrace our freedom and our county. That shouldn’t be too hard, after all, it is the greatest country the world has ever known. My house is the place I want to be. It is my sanctuary. There is nothing more comforting to me than climbing into my bed with a bowl of hot buttered popcorn, a diet coke and a remote control. I have cabled us up to the limit to watch whatever I want to watch on my exceptionally large tv. That is my heaven. I can’t share that time with my friends, but, I do, however, share it with my husband, sometimes, and my dog always.
There are several favorite “public spots” at my house. I love my living room with the silk sectional and the dining room with our ancestors staring down at us. The gentleman is holding the NASHVILLE CONSTITUTION, his wife, at least we presume it is his wife, stares down at us with a demure smile. Who are they? We have no idea, they came to us from my mother-in- law’s house and now they are ours. We think we hear them giggling sometimes. I rarely cook, but I have collected some really cool kitchen things that make my heart sing. I have copper pots, this was a challenge even for me who can generally justify buying anything. But telling my husband I was going to spend $2,000.00 on copper pots because they really look good when you serve from the stove, four times a year was beyond even my ability to justify. So, I asked for copper pots for birthdays and Christmas. I did not ask for my husband to give me these things, he is obligated for much more than that, but I did ask my children and siblings. It didn’t take long to create a copper pot collection, and I do love them! They really charm up the kitchen. The den, it’s awesome, it is filled with things we have collected, it is ever evolving. The point is, it is our house, and when you come into it you know it is me. You also know it is my husband’s because his things are everywhere. He has been tolerant with my ideas and in return the La-Z-Boy recliner stays right where he put it. That is our compromise. The point of this conversation is, this is your home. Let it take care of you. Be bold in your expression. Life is too short to compromise who you are, when you do that everyone loses. What do you want your friends and family to experience when they enter your domain? The great thing about this is it takes so little to make your mark. Start at the front door, how does it look? Are you there? Look at the paint, the door knocker, the hardware, who’s taste is that? Is that you at the entrance of your house? What about flowers? Do you love them, the fresh ones, I mean? Are you a gardener? I have a friend who specializes in roses. She spends hours in her rose garden and when she comes to visit, she always has a bouquet for the hostess. It is a treat to receive one of her bouquets. They are known as Laurie’s roses. She has found her mark. That is the point, you get to decide how to elevate your style. When you do you begin to make your mark. That is when the magic happens. Swag your spirit. Don’t just own your home, own your style. Who are you? If you are wondering about the answer to that eternal question posed by all mankind, look around your room. It will give you the answer, sometimes, it’s even shouting at you.
Do you recognize the personality that created your space? Is it a mirror of your soul? If not, why not? Let’s look at what is going really going on in your room. First, what color is it? Do you have a favorite color? Are you using your favorite color to power up your day and power down your night? Here is what the “experts” have to say about color: “The colors of the rooms in your home are a direct reflection of your personality.” That’s a lot of responsibility not to mention a heavy burden. On top of all of everything else you have to do, now you are responsible for the mood influences in your space. Terrific. So how do you affect the mood in your room? Here are a few simple principles.
You can add color to liven things up, subtract color to calm things down. We should all have spouses and partners with that kind of flexibility, just a thought. There are several other factors to help define your style. Does an uptown classic look lift you up or is it shabby chic you prefer? Is an easy breezy coastal spirit your style or does a colorful family fun room hit all cylinders? Is it rooms that ramble or modified spaces that hold you close? Are you contemporary or all about the antique? Doesn’t matter, all of the above mentioned are fabulous, especially if it makes your heart sing. There is, however, one rule we cannot move beyond, no matter how hard we try. Well-being is linked to a clean house. Recent studies have shown those who have a clean home have a healthier and happier environment. Your mother was right. Preppie fashion rules can be translated into rules for family fun rooms.
Rule # 1: Keep it sporty. Sporty for your house can be interpreted with great looking plaids and patterned fabrics with maybe a little leather mixed in. Think of football, baseball, basketball, tennis, and soccer teams. The colors are bright and complementary. They are high energy, unless, of course, you are looking at a team that has black and gold as “signature “team colors. For our purposes, don’t look at black and gold teams. For you black and gold lovers, we will have something for you later. Rule # 2: Keep it under dressed. Quick question, what does under dressed for a room look like? It looks like purpose. Not to belabor the sports comparisons, but, if the cleats fit. In sports, every element or piece of equipment has a vital purpose. Think of football without the helmet, soccer without socks and shin guards, tennis without lines on the court, everything has a reason and a function. Sports equipment is a fashion statement. Tennis has a very high style dress code, golf, well, that dress code conversation could go on for a while from the visor all the way down to the cleated shoe, and we didn’t mention the golf bag. So, how does this translate into a fun, high energy room that is awesome to just sit in? Everything must have purpose and be in a suitable style. Not frilly and sexy, that will be for other rooms, but tailored and intentional. Rule # 3: Jewelry for the preppster doesn’t have to match, but the metals should. What does that mean for your room. The tables, chests, odd, fun pieces don’t have to match, but they do need to have a scale that relates. In other words, the tables need to talk to each other the conversation had better be good. Rule # 4: Preppies take care of their clothes, but a tiny stain or small pull in a sweater is not the end of the world. The family fun room, preppie style is not afraid of a few life bruises. Small bumps and spills only serve to show that the room is cherished. These rooms, however, must never be shabby. There is a difference between gracefully worn and messy. Rule #5: Preppie clothes can cost any amount, but they must fit. Many a preppy has an item from a vintage shop or a lost-and-found bin at the club that was tailored and looks incredibly chic. This same principle applies to the preppie family room. Your furniture can cost any amount, but it must be suitable for the space. Finds at consignment shops and garage sales can be very appealing if they are “tailored” to perfection. I.E., these treasurers must be finished, clean, and polished. Note, preppie rooms love beeswax. These rooms are classic and always in style. Bottom line these rooms work because they are authentic. They really do meet the Vanity Fair criteria that, “The best fashion statement is no fashion statement…” Enjoy! Hold on to your Izod, preppie is back. A new day has dawned. Navy, kelly green and hot pink are claiming a place in family rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, even kitchens and baths. This is not only happening here at home in the USA, but all over the globe. The economy has risen and with it has come a world of color. What does this mean for you and your abode? Classic looks mixed with wit and suitability. It’s time for our rooms to be happy.
A style that was defined a hundred years ago has come of age. What does the original “athleisure” look in fashion have to do with your house. Everything. The preppie movement is exuberant and exhilarating. It is more than a style, it is an attitude. The original preppies of 1910 took the staid and formal manner of America and breathed life into it. Good taste and suitability are the name of the game. Preppie style kicks back with confidence. Relax the room with saturated color and feel the energy flow. Introduce some joy into your living space. Pop some hot pink in that room. She shines in the corner like a beautiful flower that never wilts. Pair her up with some navy and white pillows and you have taken your room to the next level. What does saturated color mean? It is color in its purest or truest version. That is the definition of preppie. It is youth, purity and authenticity. Let your room reach out to you and surround you with vitality. The movement embodies all that is real and all that is simple. The basic blue blazer, a staple for the preppie, can be interpreted as a fabulous tuxedo sofa. Yes, you know it, a basic three seater, three cushions for the seat and three cushions for the back. This sofa rises above trend. For the preppie room the sofa is best covered in white, khaki or navy blue, but you are not limited to just those. You can use bold stripes or plaids. Note, the energy comes from the contrast in the colors. You can use other colors but white is the partner for all them. She tames the power of saturated, pure color. In the past white was unfairly treated as the “safe” color. A fall back if you didn’t know what to do in your room, safe, non-threatening and non-descript. Preppie white is not your grandmother’s safety white! She is here in all of her gleaming glory to give your space the pop and pizazz it has been longing for. Have fun with this style, it is really versatile. Preppie style can take you from a casual beach room all the way up to a formal dining room. Remember the principles of this timeless exhilarating style are honorable, exuberant, energetic and fun. Tennis anyone? You know your house reflects you and somehow you are supposed to understand how it all works together to create the essence of you. Wow. There is so much to you have to understand when you are creating the room of your dreams. Are you frustrated? Do you feel inadequate? Are you overwhelmed?
The heat is on, literally. Not to mention, there is always that good friend or relative who just knows how to do things and even though she loves you very much, there is a condescending way about her when she enters your space. What is a girl to do? I wish I could tell you there is a magic formula to transform your home into that beautiful Shangri-La you have in your head. There isn’t. Are you doomed to a space that is second rate and unsatisfactory? No, not if you don’t want to be. I don’t know how you felt about school, but interior design is a lot like those early days. Remember how much fun it was when the teacher introduced you to the wonderful world of finger painting? The excitement of the colors as they were generously scooped onto the gleaming white paper? The rich odor of the paint. All of possibilities in the world of creation were right there at your fingertips. You were ready to create with the purest reds, the richest blues and the brightest yellows. They were vibrant, you could touch them, they literally took on a life of their own. Suddenly you were free to express yourself. Well, if you are like me, your exhilaration went too far and suddenly the all colors blended and the result was a sickly purple and there was no turning back. Your room is like that. At first you add a few things, you think, hmmm, maybe that will work, then you add some more and now, you’ve got that purplely mess, only this is your room. The first step toward creating that home of your dreams is the one that requires the most of from us, everything after step one will be fun, I promise. It is the same thing you have to do every time you set a goal, discipline, discipline, discipline. Clean out the clutter. Stop, look around and start with letting go of those things that are not working for you. Those pieces that someone gave you, it has sentimental value but it isn’t you. Say a prayer in thanksgiving for the beautiful relationship that blessed you with the piece and give it away, spread the love. There are many giving opportunities all around you. Free yourself, break the bonds of sentimentality and go for what you love. You must be fearless and quick. Do not stop to think about this, move with abandon. You are setting yourself free. Now, let your room breathe. Wash the windows, vacuum, sweep and dust. Now take another look, what do you see? If you were bold and courageous, you should see the birth of a new space. This time it is the one you can call your own. Congratulations! You are the proud owner of a new wonderful beginning room!
But as we well know, spring makes everything young again. Edit out that accumulated winter clutter. The curtains are open, now let that wonderful sunshine fall on a room that has been de-cluttered for spring.
Believe in the power of pillows, instant personality. Think about those tired pillows that have been supports for those long winter days. Give them a rest. Add fun, down filled pillows to your room. Note, pillows need to be at least a 22inch square, for me, personally, 24 inches is the magic number. Down or feather down is the very best, if you have an issue with down, use the synthetic version. The look and comfort of down is very important to the space. Think of a beautiful silk scarf. Got my point? There is an art to pillows, use that art to make your room a happy spring and summer spot. Think of linens, bold stripes, buffalo plaid, don’t forget beautiful bright silks. Ta da, a happier room. Now, let’s look at your walls. Do you need to a fresh coat of paint to brighten or intensify? Is that too much trouble? For you who answered yes, there is an alternative that isn’t so labor intensive. You got it, mirrors, but you already knew that. A mirror is a fabulous way to brighten and lighten your room. Think about it as your earrings, the thing that dazzles and adds pizzazz to the ensem. Would you leave home without them? You did go to a lot of pain and trouble to have your ears pierced, didn’t you? The same is true for your room. Add the dazzle, be brave, get a big mirror. Open up that room and let the light shine. You will not regret it! So now that the nest is feathered, get outside in this beautiful sunshine. BOOM! Livable Luxury - WOW!
As we move into Lent, the season of restraint after the glorious excess of Mardi Gras, one designer comes to mind as the epitome of French design’s understanding of excess and restraint, Mlle. Coco Chanel. She revolutionized the way we dress and the way we look, out with the corset and in with comfort. In her words, ““luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury.” So, what does this have to do with decorating and redesigning a room? Simple, everything. That brings us to the point of this discussion, borrowing elements of men’s wear and emphasizing comfort over the constraints of then popular fashions, Mlle. Chanel led women into a fashion freedom that is relevant today over a hundred years after the first Coco Channel creation. She gave us simple suits paired with lavish accessories creating an effortlessly chic style that has endured the test of time like the French Farmhouse. Are we tracking now? Apply Coco’s wisdom on dressing oneself to dressing one’s home, our most personal and profound retreat. It is wonderful to have a style icon advocate creating a chic and comfortable mix. Mlle. Chanel introduced the world to the concept of “livable luxury” and that concept, my friends goes right to your front door and straight into your living room. “Livable luxury”, wow. So how does Mlle. Chanel impact your world and your life in this fast paced twenty first century. Let’s take a look at her design principles. 1. Comfort is luxury. Make sure that every spot you sit is as comfortable and cozy as possible. 2. Neutrals will last forever. Blend textures and a mélange of timeless basic fabrics to create a cohesive and classic interior. 3. Mix high and low. Antiques and prized family heirlooms mix with every day, well-designed, livable additions, I.E., upholstered sofas, chairs, ottomans, lamps, tvs and sound systems. In other words, don’t make your family and friends sit in a museum of small antique chairs all night. Ouch! 4. Accessorize the basics. Build your style from the ground up adding layers of luxury to the foundation of basics. For example, neutral sofas and timeless tables (rules two and three) topped with bowls of Mardi Gras beads or baskets filled with Easter eggs and bunnies. 5. Personalize with confidence. No two homes should be alike. Make you home unique with layers of meaningful and useful objects. Share your home with pride and confidence. 6. Buy the best quality you can. Note, there are plenty of well-priced furnishings and décor available today. It is all about the mix. Fully enjoy your home at every stage and spending level. Don’t wait until you have everything you want, or everything is perfect, because it never will be perfect and it wasn’t intended to be. Life evolves and so should our homes. French Farmhouse style is timeless and delicious, not only for now but for forever. VOILA and Bon Jour. |
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