HOW WE DECORATE – Taking A Personal Approach

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HOW WE DECORATE – Taking A Personal Approach

By Gabriele Campbell, ASP, CID                                             www.campbellinteriordecorating.ca

Over the years, I have come across many people who enjoy the process of doing their own decorating. They usually have an idea of what they want the space to look like and just start pulling the pieces together like a puzzle. They are not too concerned about the so-called “rules” of design and take great pleasure in doing it all themselves, from conception to implementation to construction.

So it begs the question: How do people decorate? How do they go about injecting their own personality and tastes into their interiors? Expressing yourself through decorating can be a daunting and sometimes vexing task. Some are completely overwhelmed by the choices in finishes, textures and colours. Some believe they have no taste, and to actually give their decorating style a name makes them squint their eyes and look to the stars for a possible definition. “Eclectic”, they will inevitably say.

But is there a wrong way to decorate? Never, I say. When you do it for yourself and especially by yourself, it is truly your personal journey to discovering your unique style and personal flare for interior decor. So I asked some women how they do it. What is the key element they use to express their style?

Karina, a Graphic Designer, said colour is the most important element in her decorating style. “I am not very good at choosing colours for my home, but once I have found the right one it feels good”. Karina and her husband have collected many fine pieces of furniture from their time in South Africa, and they love to mix these ethnic pieces with more modern looks to create a very dynamic interior.

For some, specific colours were a major element in expressing their personal style. “I love the anchor of dark wood tones for floors and fireplace mixed with the contrast of off white trim, cabinets and lamp shades,” said Lisa, a Realtor. “When I am building a house, I always plan the lighting and wall spaces to accommodate photographs and art work.”

Julie, who is a business owner, said “Colour – I love colour and will choose everything for the room based on a colour and the coordinates that compliment it. Gifts from friends and items passed down from my mother are always out on display so I can see and touch them and think of the people who gave them to me.”

Sherri, a Sales Consultant always uses a shade of red in her decorating style. “It feels warm and inviting to me.” As a mother with five active children she adds, “Stuff is not valuable to me – people, experiences and feelings ARE. Decorating for me is about accenting these three things.”

P.J., an Administrative Assistant, finds the outdoors to be full of inspiration. “My design motivator is Mother Nature – her colours, her moods, her flora & fauna. Without a doubt nature soothes my soul and inspires me.” Not one for collectables, P.J. does love antique furniture, “and I am always looking for the perfect piece for the perfect spot.”

For Kimberly, an Acupuncturist, she feels earth tones (rust, red, green, yellow) and a variety of textures really make her spaces come alive. “I love flowers and outdoor living spaces that are inviting and nice to look at.”

Brigitte, an ESL Teacher, takes the inspirations of nature one step further. “I always have something natural and/or hand-made in every room of the house, often a few of each. Both express as appreciation for nature and beauty. They also suggest the idea of respecting and loving imperfection – humanity in general – and so, the environment.” When displaying a collection, Brigitte uses shelves to complement and enhance the collection. “I will either create a sharp contrast, a minimal background or echo/mirror a similar style or theme.”

For some, style dictates the direction their rooms will take. Debbie, a Teacher, is drawn to homey comfort with a touch of class and elegance. “I tend to gravitate towards styles that my mom and grandma would have been comfortable with. I think this is because it gives me a sense of security.” Antique quilts, precious ornaments and vintage family pictures adorn spaces throughout her house, and have become integral parts of her decorating style.

Ellen, an Underwriter, said she likes traditional styles mostly – comfortable sofas and chairs – and soothing natural colours of beige and brown. “But for myself, blue is my favourite colour and I save that colour for my bedroom.” As for collectables: “I find I get tired of knicky-knackies after a period of time… and the cleaning and washing! They belong in a cabinet with a door so they can be seen and not dusted. I guess I’m too practical…”

Brenda, a Probation Officer, declared she doesn’t really have a decorating style. “Each room seems to be different and a continual work in progress. I keep changing my mind!” A prized piece on display in her house is a tea set handed down from her grandmother nestled on a woven tray acquired on a trip with her husband to the Kingdom of Tonga. “My favourite room though is the main bathroom. I wanted it to look “spa like” and I think I achieved that.”

Patricia, who is a stay-at-home mom, finds constant inspiration from her two daughters. “I love to showcase their photographs, both professional and amateur, in black frames on the main wall upstairs. People who know me well will see them there.  I also have an end table with a picture under glass my daughter made for me for Mother’s Day. It is a picture of the two of us holding hands and there is a rainbow behind us. It is beautiful – I wake up to it every morning.”