TSDESIGNSANDFINDS

1. Choose a look – You can pick an era (Victorian, Art Deco etc.), or choose a style (English Country Garden, Farmhouse). Keeping a theme in mind can help you choose the right items to complete your look. You certainly can mix styles in a room, but keep in mind the overall look and add pieces that compliment it, especially when accessorizing!
2. Choosing a Color theme- do you want to add color or stay monochromatic? Either way mixing colors in a room using patterns and textures is what makes the room interesting. Glass, metals, fabrics, leathers, woods combine to give you variety, even if the textures are all shades of one color!

3. Keep scale and proportion in mind at all times. You can mix scales, for example: Using stripes or florals in a room in several places can work beautifully if you mix the scales. Larger patterns on a rug for example and smaller patterns on fabric in the room.

4. Focal Points – Ask yourself what the TASKS will be for this room. Will you want to enjoy the fireplace, TV, window views, or create a nice reading nook? Is this a bedroom where the bed will be the focal point? Are there architectural details that stand out and you want to highlight? Knowing the use of the room and natural focal points are important in any home and in particular an older home with built ins or other unique features.

5. Accessories – This is where it all comes together!! Think of more creative ways to add design to your walls. Adding artwork is fun and can be an important part of creating your look, but mix up what you put on your walls. Add shelving, mirrors, dishes, metal etc, so that you have a variety and your eye travels well around the room. Wallpaper or textured walls, mirrored walls or highlighting or adding trim or wood to your walls or ceiling can add an element that makes the room interesting as well!!

6. Lighting – keep tasks in mind when adding lighting. Is there natural light in the room? Do you want to use lighting to call attention to a particular area or accent? Lamp scale is an important factor here as well! It’s also a fun way to add that variety of texture and color in the room.

7. Windows – Think of your windows as artwork in the room. Do they need to be dressed up or down? Do you want to call attention to them? Consider using color here to stand out whether with patterns or textures or to play down, use the same color as the walls so that they blend in making the wall look longer.

8. Flooring – Mix woods – don’t be afraid to use darker color furniture on a lighter color floor or the opposite, you can add area rugs to create interest or blend the contrast you create. Mixing woods can be tricky but will happen when you are adding antiques or vintage pieces. Painted flooring, tile, stone and carpeting add different textures to add interest as well!!

Have fun! Mixing vintage and antique looks in a room can make your home unique! No cookie-cutter looks for you!!! Consider all of your design tips when putting your rooms together and keep in mind the end result you want to accomplish. I am available for consultations or if you are looking for something unique for your space.

Your home is your sanctuary, I hope for you that it brings you joy! love, T