What Works?

I thought it might be fun and interesting to do an occasional post on one certain topic.  What to do…?  As I browse my inspiration files, I find myself drawn to a particular picture again and again.  Why that photo?  What is it about a room that just calls to me?  What works?

Well, why not pull one of those photos and dissect it.  Really pull it apart and see what elements and ideas are utilized and then put it back together again.  I’m sure we can all learn a few lessons along the way. 

I thought I would start simply with a picture of a foyer or maybe a hallway?  Not sure, just know I have always liked this room. 

 

Very dramatic and striking, yes?  But why?  First thing first… the wallpaper.  The bold and graphic pattern is the first thing to catch your eye.  Black and white always makes a statement, but combine that with the sharp, clean pattern and you really have impact!  For some reason people are afraid of bold pattern in a small space, yet small doses are much easier to take.  Imagine this much pattern in a large room…too much of a good thing!

Next, the simple roman shade at the window.  Looks like a subdued stripe in a relaxed roman with “tails”(technical term only us window people know).  A fussy overdone window just wouldn’t work. 

Don’t miss the floor.  An inlay, or probably painted, black banding on dark floor with a natural seagrass or sisal rug, again with black banding.  Very nice.

Now the carved console table with marble top for just a bit of color.  The color is also subdued grey washed which shows the carving while not taking away from the wallpaper by appearing too heavy.  Imagine a heavy brown piece of furniture….wouldn’t be the same, would it.  On top, a very classic lamp and small dishes.  Just perfect.

To me, it’s the wall decor that really pulls this room together.  I always love pairs of pictures.  It seem like I never buy singles if I can buy a pair…can’t help myself.  You have much more impact if you can hang in pairs, and a grouping of four, even better. It seems these are pen and ink drawings and with the wide white mat they are fabulous on the busy wallpaper.  A smaller matting  would not have worked at all.   Of course, the convex mirror in the center is the perfect complement to the vignette.

Now for the finishing touch…the two umbrellas in the corner!  Did you even notice?  Just a tiny pop of color that teases the eye.  Put your thumb over the umbrella and see how much flatter the entire look becomes.  Amazing!

I hope you enjoyed this little experiment in really studying a room to see what works.  If you like this concept, I will continue to occasionally post on it.  Let me know!  You can click on the comment button at the bottom of this, or any, post and leave me a comment.  I would love to hear feedback on my blog!   A customer came into Perfect Home today and told me how much she was enjoying reading my humble offerings here.  I was thrilled to know someone was out there!   Anyone else there???  Love to hear from you.

Reesa

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