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Tips & Tidbits
Volume III
I have
finally recovered from the passing of summer. I have put away my patio
umbrella! It’s always hard for me to admit that I didn’t accomplish all
those things I wanted to do. But I have hope! Maybe next summer! Nature
has a way of cycling. Speaking of Nature-- I have just seen one of
nature’s miracles. Last spring I planted an ugly little dried up,
brittle twig that was the last remaining vestige of a Chrysanthemum
plant, given to me by my daughter. You know, one of those things you
just don’t have the heart to throw away!
I’m sure it could have used much better timing and a little fertilizer,
but it had none of that. It lived in spite of its care. And I’m sure it
will take forever for it to “grow up” if it makes it that far, but today
it’s a glorious little plant in the sun with one flower, and perhaps
another before the next blast of cold weather. So now the determination
of this little flower has inspired me!
If you
haven’t been smitten by the Aura of Autumn— or the Wonders of Winter—get
on with it! Make a few plans now for next summer, write them down and
then move on and try to enjoy the pleasures, treasures and the time at
hand. “Make the most of what you have, wherever you are” That’s what
Redesign is all about after all.
I’ll offer
a few suggestions to get you started:
‘Pile’ It On
As the
weather gets cooler, we like to have more things around us in our
spaces. We need things with deeper colors, more texture, nap or pile and
more visual weight.
Go shopping
in a fabric or craft store for inspiration—soak up the colors and
textures that are out there. I did the other day and my gaze settled on
a bolt of a subtle leaf print fabric that practically reached out and
grabbed me. The texture, the weight, the fluid drape of it in my
hand—those luscious crimson, mahogany, wine-brown reds and a hint of
smoky plum here and there in a leaf! I’m not sure I would ever wear it,
but I loved looking at it! Look at all the velvets, corduroys, flannels,
suedes, piles and nap in the fabrics to get you started.
You don’t
need to buy a thing! Just let the things you see inspire you. Go back
home and use what you have seen as inspiration— look for similar
textures and colors at home. I’ll bet you’ll be surprised at what’s
hidden in a drawer or closet somewhere.
 If you do
decide to buy, you can just buy a small amount of fabric. Use it as trim, border or
an accent on a much larger, cheaper fabric, sheet or tablecloth. I
bought 2 yards having no idea how I would use it. Well it ended up
draping a table in a home I staged®. And it will serve other purposes
after I’m done with it as a table scarf. You’d be surprised how far a
few yards will go when used in small quantities.
It’s Not
Pointless!
If you have
a fireplace, gather in your furniture a little closer to it and make it
the focal point of your grouping. Or, if you are “focal point-less”, you
can use a large bookcase, chest, or piece of art as a focal point.
Another option would be to hang a shelf on the wall to serve as a
display area just like a mantle. Put a fireplace screen under it, a
basket filled with wood or blankets on one side and a large plant or
statue on the other. A focal point!
Now, change
out those pillows. Or cover them. Get as tailored or carefree & casual
as you like. Make cutouts to let the original pillow color peek through,
if the colors work together. How about using old sweaters for pillow
covers? Buttons, pockets and design details can add to the interest and
texture.
Do you
have some nice ties that aren’t being worn anymore? Some of those
fabrics are just the colors and textures that you could use right now.
Take them apart to use all the fabric flat or for squares, or just use
them as is with the edges sewn together until you get enough to cover
the front of a pillow. Finish the back with a solid fabric for another
‘look’.
Rugs To En-Rich!
Don’t
forget to add those area rugs in your conversation groupings to tie
things together as well as add visual weight. A 5’x8’ is best for a
sofa /loveseat or chair combination. Add some throws, afghans and
heavier drapery or another layer of curtains at the window for warmth.
Finish off with candles in warm scents and colors, a few more
accessories, and perhaps a dark lampshade for mood lighting.
Speaking of
lighting—do yourself a favor—learn how to install a dimmer switch. They
do wonders for those warm cozy nights with your sweetie and a glass of
wine—or cup of hot chocolate.
Turn On A Room!
And for
times when you don’t want the lights down low, remember proper lighting
is critical in the overall design plan. You need more than just the
overhead light in the middle of the room. You can plan colors, pick
fabrics, patterns and finishes, artwork and accessories and determine
floor plans, but without proper lighting to set it all off, you’ll never
get the full effect of all your hard work. Rooms can be nothing without
color and color is nothing without light! Even monochromatic color
schemes need proper lighting to highlight the textures shapes and subtle
variations that can make them so beautiful.
A Welcoming
Sight.
For more
interest, add layers and levels to your front entryway or front porch
display. Your steps, if you have them are of course automatic “lifts”.
Typical combinations usually include things from the season’s harvest,
winter veggies, squash, gourds, grapevines, dried wheat and grasses. If
the typical season’s colors aren’t favorites in your color palette, then
spray paint some of these items for added interest. Consider bronze,
copper, gold, browns, pewter, silver, metallic blues and greens or a
mixture! Pick colors that play up the colors of your home or exterior
trim.
Try adding
unusual or old-fashioned garden tools, such as a shovel, pitchfork or
bamboo rake to lean against the house or even hang on the wall. In the
northern climates, perhaps a retired snow shovel. Decorate the handle
with a pretty bunch of dried grasses or silk flowers and a nice ribbon
or some raffia. If you need to shovel some occasional snow off the
porch, then go ahead and use it—then hang it back up on the wall and re
attach your decorations! Just use Velcro to attach your “trim”!
Think about
using old hand tools, galvanized or copper lanterns, buckets or bins,
wooden boxes or crates or chests. A couple of these can add some
interest and texture to the display. You can turn the boxes or buckets
upside down to serve as platforms for something else, and to add
variations in height.
How about a
big family initial to personalize your display? Or use favorite family
sporting equipment appropriate for the season? Ski’s and snowshoes if
you’re in a winter climate, or add a few old golf clubs, baseball bats,
or croquet mallets to the mix. Actually old tennis racquets would make
an interesting base for a nice floral wall hanging. If you like it then
it works!
A child’s
chair or stool can be the beginning of your grouping. Add an old afghan
or part of an old blanket draped over the chair and set something on the
seat appropriate for the season—that can be changed periodically
To add depth
to your display, use an old decorative window as a backdrop. Press on
some window stickers appropriate for the season if you like. Or use
several old shutters hinged together to make a mini-folding screen that
will serve as a backdrop for your vignette.
No front
porch? How about a little corner in your front entry hall or a corner of
the back deck that you can see from your window?
Here are a
few of my experiments with some examples of levels and layers:
From the “What can I do with this”? corner…
Three uses
for picture frames:
1. Microchip
Magic! Use the computer to print customized messages, greetings, or
favorite phrases. “Welcome to the Adams House, Live Laugh Love, Small
homes hold just as much love as big homes” You can print them on
decorative stationery, or colored paper to go with or accent your room
décor. Glue on some fall inspired trim, or even silk leaves, dried
flowers, a ribbon or raffia bow and then frame. If it’s your moms or
grandmother’s favorite phrase or word, then add her picture to it. If
you want to take it a step further, use a mat that is covered with a
fabric used elsewhere in the room or house. Add a decorative ribbon or
cord to hang it from.
2. Get
Square! The wreath on your door doesn’t have to be round! Try a square
or a diamond shaped wreath. Take an old frame, or a flea market find,
remove the glass, wrap the frame in ribbon, or raffia, twine, or leave
it as is if it has a nice finish. Attach a small bunch of fall inspired florals, silk or dried, to one side of the frame with hot glue or use
some nice ribbon. Attach some more ribbon at the top to hang from your
front door.
3. For a
centerpiece, use a large frame as a tray on a table. If you have a piece
of Plexiglas cut to replace the glass (for safety), you could use it on
an ottoman or bench too.
Put
appropriate colored paper or fabric under the glass as a backdrop, e.g.
silver, gold, fall leaves, snowflakes, or cutouts from greeting cards.
Top with a few votive candles, or column candles ringed with hazelnuts
or cranberries. Add some florals, pinecones, or whatever inspires you.
Use some little rubber bumpers or felt pieces on the bottom to protect
your table if you like or use a table runner or some wonderful fabric
under it.
If you’d
like a little more help changing your rooms for the seasons, give Room
Works a call. Or go to the Interior Redesign Directory to find your
local redesigner or home stager®. Happy Seasons To You!
If
there are any comments or ideas you would like to share, please
use our Contact Us Form.
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