According to Websters Dictionary a house is a thing, a habitation, dwelling, abode, etc...
So when does a house become a home? Let's go through the process.
First, you find the house you want to move into. Is it your home yet?
Second, you bring in your belongings and of course yourself. Is it your home yet?
Third, you start organizing, finding new places for all of your belongings. Is it your home yet?
Now the fun begins ... putting your stamp on your home. When my husband and I purchased this home, it was not in the best condition and required a lot of renovation hours and dollars. I remember my real estate agent said ... that house really needs "the Barb touch". In her opinion, "the Barb touch" made our house our home.
A house becomes a home in my opinion when you surround yourself with the things you love, and you put your stamp on that house. Invest in pieces of art that speak to you, that touch your heart.
What is your style ... are you minimalist, traditional, classic, shabby chic, french country, casual? I recently heard someone say their home was their canvas. Similar to an artist your home reflects your taste. Are you a warm person who enjoys entertaining and spending time with friends & family ... your home should be a reflection of that personality trait ... it should feel warm and inviting, an environment where friends and family feel welcome.
If you decorate your home as an extension of you, you must first determine your style and then decorate and accessorize your home in your style and with your own personal stamp.
Here are a few tips for decorating.
Dark colours advance which is why a room feels smaller or cozier if painted dark.
Light colours recede, so a room will feel more spacious painted in lighter colours.
If you have under 3" baseboards, paint them out the colour of the wall. By painting the baseboards the wall colour you also give the illusion of a higher ceiling.
If you are going to have different case goods in your room, try to keep the wood type and tone to two only.
Purchase your large expensive pieces in a neutral colour ... bring colours into your room with accessories, for example, cushions, lamps, curtains, decorative objet d'art, paint, etc... Unless you can afford to change for example, your sofa every few years, you will quickly tire of a fabric with a lot of pattern and/or colour. It is much cheaper to replace your cushions than your sofa.
Wallpaper has made a come-back, so go wild. Highlight one wall, wallpaper an entire room, let your imagination roam freely. I personally adore wallpapered bathrooms.
Balance keeps arrangements from looking lopsided. Balanced arrangements can be either symmetrical or asymmetrical. Symmetrical arrangements are perfectly equal on both sides of a central line, are the easiest to arrange and create a more formal atmosphere. If you have a variety of pieces in different sizes, shapes and colors, try an asymmetrical arrangement.
Asymmetrical arrangements create an informal look by balancing the visual weight of the objects.
Create groupings. Display objects together in odd numbers. Combinations of three and five work well. Place similar objects together.
Combine objects with varying heights for visual interest, according to color, shape, or design. A collection, such as antique vases, has more impact when grouped together than when scattered throughout the house.
Alternate height of pieces. Objects of varying height in a grouping add visual interest. Elevate small prints and decorative plates with small pedestals or stands to highlight their presence in a grouping.
Create depth. Zigzag or alternate the pieces from back to front instead of placing them in a straight line. Place three objects in a triangle, with the tallest pieces in the back. Try using overlapping triangles when working with more than three objects, again placing larger pieces in the back.
Alternate texture. Bring together items of different textures for a unique look. Alternate shiny finishes with flat ones or hard objects with softer ones. For example, if you have a grouping of brass candlesticks and a ceramic vase, try using a plant, floral arrangement or woven basket for a softer texture.
Find the focal point. Arrange everything around one major object to center the grouping.
Avoid clutter. Know when to say when. Too many items can look messy and detract from your decor. If you have more accessories than you need, simply store them for a while and then switch them out for a fresh look.
Use mirrors as accessories. Mirrors create the illusion of space. Make sure the view from the mirror is attractive before you hang it, so position it to reflect something interesting in the room. For example, a mirror opposite an attractive fireplace and mantel is a nice touch.
Try not to get too caught up in trends. Remember the navy & burgundy, dusty rose & gray of the 80's and yes I got caught, so I had a lot of work stripping off rolls and rolls of wallpaper when these trends went out of style, not to mention how costly it was to replace the dusty rose carpet we had installed in our living areas when that went out of style. I learned my lesson but at a price.
Here is a summary - Ten Tips for Accessorizing Your Home.
1. Personalize your home with art & accessories.
2. Repeat a colour at least three times in a room.
3. Relate your art to its surroundings.
4. Cover two thirds of the space above furniture with one or more pieces of art.
5. Position artwork at "eye level".
6. Vary the height of table top accessories for balance and interest.
7. Create a formal look with symmetrical groupings of art. Create an informal look with asymmetrical groupings.
8. Place mirrors so they reflect something beautiful. Use them to add dimension, expand space or reflect light.
9. Display art on easels to create interest in corners, bookcases or on table tops.
10. Custom frame artwork to coordinate with room decor. Select a frame that compliments the decorating style. Select mat colours that enhance both the art and colour scheme.
Gotta run, I feel a "let's move things around" coming on!
First, you find the house you want to move into. Is it your home yet?
Second, you bring in your belongings and of course yourself. Is it your home yet?
Third, you start organizing, finding new places for all of your belongings. Is it your home yet?
Now the fun begins ... putting your stamp on your home. When my husband and I purchased this home, it was not in the best condition and required a lot of renovation hours and dollars. I remember my real estate agent said ... that house really needs "the Barb touch". In her opinion, "the Barb touch" made our house our home.
A house becomes a home in my opinion when you surround yourself with the things you love, and you put your stamp on that house. Invest in pieces of art that speak to you, that touch your heart.What is your style ... are you minimalist, traditional, classic, shabby chic, french country, casual? I recently heard someone say their home was their canvas. Similar to an artist your home reflects your taste. Are you a warm person who enjoys entertaining and spending time with friends & family ... your home should be a reflection of that personality trait ... it should feel warm and inviting, an environment where friends and family feel welcome.
If you decorate your home as an extension of you, you must first determine your style and then decorate and accessorize your home in your style and with your own personal stamp.
Here are a few tips for decorating.
Dark colours advance which is why a room feels smaller or cozier if painted dark.
Light colours recede, so a room will feel more spacious painted in lighter colours.
If you have under 3" baseboards, paint them out the colour of the wall. By painting the baseboards the wall colour you also give the illusion of a higher ceiling.
If you are going to have different case goods in your room, try to keep the wood type and tone to two only.
Purchase your large expensive pieces in a neutral colour ... bring colours into your room with accessories, for example, cushions, lamps, curtains, decorative objet d'art, paint, etc... Unless you can afford to change for example, your sofa every few years, you will quickly tire of a fabric with a lot of pattern and/or colour. It is much cheaper to replace your cushions than your sofa.
Wallpaper has made a come-back, so go wild. Highlight one wall, wallpaper an entire room, let your imagination roam freely. I personally adore wallpapered bathrooms.
Balance keeps arrangements from looking lopsided. Balanced arrangements can be either symmetrical or asymmetrical. Symmetrical arrangements are perfectly equal on both sides of a central line, are the easiest to arrange and create a more formal atmosphere. If you have a variety of pieces in different sizes, shapes and colors, try an asymmetrical arrangement.
Asymmetrical arrangements create an informal look by balancing the visual weight of the objects.Create groupings. Display objects together in odd numbers. Combinations of three and five work well. Place similar objects together.
Combine objects with varying heights for visual interest, according to color, shape, or design. A collection, such as antique vases, has more impact when grouped together than when scattered throughout the house.
Alternate height of pieces. Objects of varying height in a grouping add visual interest. Elevate small prints and decorative plates with small pedestals or stands to highlight their presence in a grouping.
Create depth. Zigzag or alternate the pieces from back to front instead of placing them in a straight line. Place three objects in a triangle, with the tallest pieces in the back. Try using overlapping triangles when working with more than three objects, again placing larger pieces in the back.
Alternate texture. Bring together items of different textures for a unique look. Alternate shiny finishes with flat ones or hard objects with softer ones. For example, if you have a grouping of brass candlesticks and a ceramic vase, try using a plant, floral arrangement or woven basket for a softer texture.Find the focal point. Arrange everything around one major object to center the grouping.
Avoid clutter. Know when to say when. Too many items can look messy and detract from your decor. If you have more accessories than you need, simply store them for a while and then switch them out for a fresh look.
Use mirrors as accessories. Mirrors create the illusion of space. Make sure the view from the mirror is attractive before you hang it, so position it to reflect something interesting in the room. For example, a mirror opposite an attractive fireplace and mantel is a nice touch.Try not to get too caught up in trends. Remember the navy & burgundy, dusty rose & gray of the 80's and yes I got caught, so I had a lot of work stripping off rolls and rolls of wallpaper when these trends went out of style, not to mention how costly it was to replace the dusty rose carpet we had installed in our living areas when that went out of style. I learned my lesson but at a price.
Here is a summary - Ten Tips for Accessorizing Your Home.
1. Personalize your home with art & accessories.2. Repeat a colour at least three times in a room.
3. Relate your art to its surroundings.
4. Cover two thirds of the space above furniture with one or more pieces of art.
5. Position artwork at "eye level".
6. Vary the height of table top accessories for balance and interest.
7. Create a formal look with symmetrical groupings of art. Create an informal look with asymmetrical groupings.
8. Place mirrors so they reflect something beautiful. Use them to add dimension, expand space or reflect light.
9. Display art on easels to create interest in corners, bookcases or on table tops.
10. Custom frame artwork to coordinate with room decor. Select a frame that compliments the decorating style. Select mat colours that enhance both the art and colour scheme.
Gotta run, I feel a "let's move things around" coming on!
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