Top Decorating Mistake #1

I've decided to start a new series this month called Top Decorating Mistakes.  First off, we can all agree that there are no hard and fast rules about what's right and what's wrong when it comes to decorating your home.  For as many "rules" as there are there are just as many acceptable ways to break them.  However, there are some things that are generally known as no-no's in the decorating world.  In spite of that fact I must say that I frequently run into chronic offenders.

Let's begin, shall we?

Top Decorating Mistake #1 = Artwork hung too high

 



via

 

 For some strange reason, people tend to hang artwork far too high on their walls. 
 

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Generally speaking the goal is to have the center of your art and wall hangings at an average eye level.  That means if you are 4 ft 10 inches or 6 ft 2 inches, we are not talking your eye level.  Of course for every rule there is an exception, so you have to use this rule as a guide.  Consider the placement of the artwork.  Not sure where to hang pieces? Use paper bags or extra wrapping paper as a template to determine placement. Nail right through it and then simply remove the paper and hang the piece.

 

Better Homes and Gardens

 

What a difference a plan can make. 

 

Lastly, think about the scale.  Hanging a piece that is too small can be just as bad as one that is hung too high. 

 



NO                                                                                           YES



 

Your art or grouping should be in proportion to the items they hang above.  

 

Martha Stewart

Stay tuned for more Top Decorating Mistakes.

Creating a Soft Color Scheme

I mentioned in my blog post HERE that I submitted an article for a magazine at the request of the editor.  Since it apparently didn't get used, I thought I would share it with you guys.  No sense in perfectly good set of tips going to waste. 

So, without further ado, here are my tips for CREATING A SOFT COLOR SCHEME. 

1.      Select a soft hued wall color that appeals to you and that evokes the mood you’d like to create (i.e. serene, coastal, airy, etc).   Don’t be bound by color trends.  What’s “in” today may very well be out tomorrow, so select a color that you absolutely love.

2.      Get inspired.  Choose an inspiration piece as a starting point.  A vintage quilt, art work, a fun fabric; these will provide direction and can help dictate the color scheme for the entire space.

3.      Don’t be afraid to mix patterns.  Using patterns is a great way to add visual interest, and it’s easier than you may think.  Patterns don’t need to “match”, just be sure that each relates to one another.  You can achieve this by selecting textiles with similar color tones. 

4.      Give the eye a place to rest.  Add in solid neutrals like white or cream in furniture pieces, bedding or rugs to keep the space from becoming too busy. 

5.      Layer in accessories.  Incorporate accessories in similar tones to achieve a personalized collected over time look. 

6.      Make it work.  Find something you love, but the color isn’t quite right?  Remember, thrift store, garage sale and Craigslist finds can easily be repainted, reupholstered or repurposed to work in your space.  

7.      Capitalize on form and function.  Incorporate items that you already own or use daily that work with your palette as decorative accessories.  Buttons, thread, jewelry, dishware; can all make fabulous, functional and frugal accessories.   


So, there you have it, the magazine article that almost was.  Happy Monday!