Keys to Interior Design

The key to successful design is the co-ordination of function, mood and harmony in every room. Whatever room you are putting together must function with the purpose in mind for the room – living, dining, sleeping and even entertaining. If the room isn’t functional it cannot fulfill its purpose.

The mood and rhythm of the room can be achieved by colors and shapes. Neutral colors and shapes bring a feeling of calm and symmetry. Bright colors and interesting shapes bring excitement and energy to any environment.

Every room needs a focal point – a “center of attention.” A beautiful piece of artwork can be the focal point as can an area rug with interesting colors and shapes. A fireplace, a wall of windows overlooking your garden or any beautiful setting, mirrors, picture collages, an unusual and unique back splash in a kitchen, a claw foot tub in the bathroom and a chandelier in the bathroom can all be exceptional focal points.

Balancing all of these elements in your design - color, mood, rhythm and adding a focal point - bring harmony to the space. Harmony is the bringing together of all these elements so that the room functions as it is purposed. Every element should work together and complement each other to strengthen the whole composition.

Please visit my Pinterest boards for other great ideas for decorating your home – keeping these elements of design in mind.

Worldly Point of View

I am returning from a wonderful week cruising the Seine River in France. My journey started in Paris and concluded in Paris. I was surrounded all week by the beauty of centuries old buildings and art. The little towns along the river took me back in time to the beauty of nature, the smell of casual living and the capture of light and color in the paintings of artists such as Monet and van Gough.
 
Then there was the beauty of the history in the buildings in Paris. We strolled the plaza of the Louvre with its walls of opulence and touch of modernism in the glass triangles leading into the museum. Then it was on to the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the little Statue of Liberty and the Avenue des Champs-Élysées with its colorful stores of Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada and on and on. As we drove the streets of the 7^th District I couldn’t help but visualize what might be behind those walls of architecture. We were told that the apartments were too expensive now for the average French family. The homes now attract the wealthy from all over the world.

One of the highlights of the trip was visiting the shores of Normandy where so many of our brave young men gave their lives for the freedom of others. We walked the paths separating the graves of some 9,000 Americans buried there. It was a breathtaking site when we walked into the cemetery. A very emotional tribute was paid to them with the playing of our National Anthem and then Tap’s followed by a moment of silence. We were each given a colorful rose to place on a grave of our choosing. I walked away with a new appreciation for our American heritage.

What did I walk away with as far as interior design from this trip? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I think we can all draw from our pasts as well as the present to bring beauty and solace to our homes.

When you feel a need or desire to do something different in your home, take a peek into the period of history that interests you most. It will be an exciting venture. When you need a little help, my staff and I would love to share with you and help you choose. Give us a call at 565-8337 or visit our showroom in downtown Denton. We look forward to seeing you.

Please visit my Pinterest boards for other great ideas for decorating your home.

And, as always - Happy Decorating.

-- Carol Collins

Window Fashion Certified Professional Expert

What is in the Color Yellow?

From the Western Governors University, Texas “The Color Yellow” is described as the lightest hue of the spectrum, uplifting and illuminating, offering hope, happiness, cheerfulness and fun. The university further states Yellow is the best color to create enthusiasm for life and can awaken greater confidence and optimism as well as challenge the mind.

Wow! All that from one little color! Let’s look at a few ways we can use Yellow in our homes. In poorly lit hallways, yellow shows the way. In bedrooms it lifts the mood. But be careful how much and how intense you make the yellow. If the hue is too bright, yellow can look too strong and become an irritant.

I have used Sherwin Williams #6128 Blonde as the base coat to the interior of my home. In some areas I have toned it down with a “tea stain” glaze.

Yellow can be used in accessories to lift the spirits of the room. Fabrics that blend yellow with greens and reds and even blues make a room cheerful. Soft yellows and gold’s are very easy on the eye – a perfect backdrop for rejuvenating at the end of the day.

The Tuscan style of decorating has been popular in recent years. Honey and mustard yellow walls seem to be the canvas for other colors such as terracotta, dark browns, apricot and blue, with a dash of scarlet or olive/moss green strategically woven through the room.

Follow these simple suggestions for using yellow in your décor and you’ll be truly inspired by the outcome.

• Use small accent pillows, vases, and candles to start your yellow décor.
• Use soft tones of yellow on your walls and larger pieces of furniture.
• Mix yellow with other colors to introduce the color to any room.
• Try mixing several shades of yellow in the same room.

Decorating with yellow may be difficult, but the rewards are worth it. You come away with a bright, cheerful, dramatic and debonair room.

Do you need inspiration for bringing Yellow, or any color, into your home? Why not give us a call at Carol’s. Our staff is trained and ready to assist you. Our number is 940-565-8337. We look forward to your call.

Please visit my Pinterest board entitled “Yellow Home Décor” for other great ideas for decorating your home in yellow.

And, as always - Happy Decorating.