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Five Keys to Timeless Decorating

Just as the Fashion world changes, so does the world of Interior Design.  New products, colors, technology, changing lifestyles are all factors in how we live and how we design our spaces.  Yet, few of us can afford to completely redo our décor every time a new color scheme is introduced, or a new piece of entertainment equipment is brought into our home. However, there are some things you can do to stay “current” yet stylish.

1. Purchasing Key Wood Pieces That Have Staying Power
When you decide to go shopping for your primary residence, think classic key pieces.  What do I mean by “key pieces”?  Pieces that because of size, style and function can be used in several different living areas and work well.  For example, a bachelor’s chest can be used in a guest bedroom as a chest, a large master bedroom for a night stand, or as an entry piece in the foyer. Likewise a sofa table with great lines can double as a sideboard in a dining area or as a small bar in a recreation room.

2. Choosing a Design Style
Good Design is timeless, whether it’s contemporary, traditional, oriental, etc.
Decide what your preferences are before you make major purchases.  That would include sofas, occasional chairs, dining room tables, dining chairs, headboards, storage chests, etc.  Look for pieces you really like.  Do you lean toward clean lines or something more feminine with lots of detailing and curves? Or do you prefer a little of both?  Can you imagine the piece you’re contemplating five years from now?  How about ten?  By doing a little homework, you can start creating your own look.

3. The Only “Suit” You Want Is In Your Closet
Try to stay away from the familiar “Furniture Store Look”- the overdone “sets”.  You know… the matching sofa, chair, end tables, coffee tables, dining set, bedroom set, etc.  By buying different pieces that work together your overall design has longer life, whereas “sets” tend to date your look faster. The key here is to buy quality pieces with good lines.  How do you tell?  Be objective; stand back and take a good look.  Is it well proportioned?  Are the legs too fat, too short, too skinny?  Is it constructed well?  Does the pattern match up on the sofa or chair?  If something seems “off” walk away and keep looking.

4. Back to your Closet:  Take Cues from Your Wardrobe
The Fashion Gurus will tell you that the key to a stylish wardrobe is to purchase “wardrobe staples” and build from there.  Ever heard of the “little black dress”? It’s that one piece you pull out and can dress up or down for the occasion.  Add a jacket, shawl, belt, jewelry, etc., and completely change the look. 

Think in those terms when purchasing “staples” for your décor.  A neutral sofa makes it easy to accessorize.  You can add color to the walls; choose patterned and textured accent pillows, throws, etc.  The same goes for natural or neutral flooring.  Wood, tile, stone, concrete, cork or neutral carpeting make it easy to change color and style in your room by just changing your area rugs.  And because you’ve already purchased good basic pieces, you’ll find that updating with color changes and styles, is a matter of changing a piece of artwork here, a pillow there and adding a vase or two with your new scheme. 
     
5. Accents Make The Room
Accents can make or break your décor.  Too many, not enough, too large, too small, all of these things are important.  You want your overall look to be pulled together.  You wouldn’t go out in your little black dress wearing every piece of jewelry you own, so keep the accessorizing to a minimum.  You’re striving for balance; enough to make it interesting, but not so much that it becomes busy.

Once again look for artwork, sculpture, etc. that you like.  Vary the textures, size and use the “odd” rule when grouping.  Three is more interesting than two, etc.  If you want to introduce a particular trend, this is the place to do it.  Purchasing a safari inspired sculpture and replacing it in a few years is much more affordable than having to dispose of a perfectly good leopard print sofa.

Above all, no matter what your decorating style, have fun with it.  Life is short.  Don’t get too hung up on rules, just use common sense. Go with your intuition.  Be a little daring.  Put on that little black dress that's been hanging in your closet, , grab your red heels and dance in celebration of your newly decorated space!