Decorating With Taste

Several years back, an interior design friend of mine was working on a rather large project.  Andrea was very excited, as the client had given her “free rein” to redo the entire home.

When she finished, she couldn’t wait to show off her work.  And I couldn’t wait to see as I knew she had excellent taste and was a successful designer.  As we walked through the home, Andrea pointed out how perfectly the floor matched the drapes, and how the furniture was in perfect scale to the room, and the placement of tables and chairs were perfect, and, well, just how really perfect everything was.  And it was.

However, I couldn’t help but wonder if anyone actually lived there.  There was not a personal touch anywhere … no photos, plants, pots n pans, books, candles.  For me, the end result, while perfect, felt impersonal and unfriendly.  Well, hopefully Andrea’s client likes it!

A home is more than a grouping of rooms or a place to eat, work and entertain.  Good design – the best home design comes straight from the heart.

The Decorating Taste Test

Decorating at its best is a self-portrait.  Your rooms reflect you, through colors furnishings and accessories.  No matter what decorating style you prefer, it can fit into any basic style.

If you had to list one or two absolutely essential ingredients for your home, what would they be?  Answer with your heart, not your head.  For me, its travel treasures, family heirlooms, antique store discoveries.  Bronze art, Las Vegas … Oriental rug, China … Water colors, Paris … Family pictures.

Decorating for the real you. First, determine your style.  Are you…

Clearly Classic You like formality, classic furnishings in symmetrical groupings.  You may choose from period French, 18-century Chippendale, or Queen Anne furnishings, as well as Oriental and formal modern pieces. You mix antiques and collected accessories.  Colors are often rich and mellow.

Photo Architectural Digest, September 2010

Casual Comfort You choose furnishings with relaxed comfort in mind and prefer unfussy seating with carefree fabrics in earthy or neutral colors.  Seating is arranged in informal groups for easy conversation.  Your favorite things include lighthearted and whimsical accessories.

Photo Architectural Digest, July 2007

Clean and Simple You like a sophisticated, elegantly simple look. You carefully edit furnishings and accessories, choosing each for its distinctive lines, whether modern or traditional.  Color is kept to a minimum, with hues drawn from the neutrals, and often punched up with a brilliant accent color. Photo Architectural Digest, March 2010

Personality Mix You’re confident about your personal style and want to combine the best from several design periods and styles. You lean toward simplicity but also love the classics.  Your fun challenge is to create beautiful comfortable rooms that draw on the best resource of all – your personality.

Photo Architectural Digest, October 2010

Decorating Taste Test, Better Homes and Gardens

For more information and ideas to enhance your home, visit Better Homes and Gardens Decorating Books at bhgbooks.com

To help define your style, visit bhg.com and take the decorating style quiz.

Christine & Barbara
DéCor Amoré, Inc.

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