Reading & Writing

So, I was on Amazon.com today looking at decorating and home design books, (there are 5,899 books that come up under that search) and it got me thinking... why are there so many books about this subject? I think it's because so many people are intimidated by designing and decorating. I have heard so many people say, "I don't know where to start" or "I'm just not a decorator". Well, most people aren't decorators, but it can't be that hard, we all know what we like, right?!

When designing (or decorating) a space, I always start by taking stock of what I have to work with. It might just be an empty room with a window or it could be a room full of furnishings, either way, I look at the space and what is in the space and try to get an idea of what I want the outcome to be.

Outcome, for me, is about the function as well as the look or feel. For example, if it is a bedroom, it's pretty easy to decide the main function, but what if you don't have a home office, yet you need a place to pay bills and check emails, etc. Then we need to "build" in to the function of that room a space for a desk or at least a place to organize bills and mail.

In my current space I have a sofa table that is functioning as my desk. The desk that I have (and I love) is huge, it is nearly the size of a dining room table, so it definitely wouldn't fit in this condo, however, the sofa table is almost the same width, but not as deep and still has 3 drawers that keep my necessaries neatly organized. It is not ideal for long-term use (because I have 2 printers and right now can only fit one), but it works fine for me, for now.

Getting back to the point... knowing what functions you need from the room will help to decide layout, furnishings, lighting, color, finishes, just about everything! That seems like a simple thing, but sometimes it's hard to think of every single use you might have for a space.

Common functions for a den, for example, are TV watching, family gatherings, kids playing, even video games and usually a place for the family computer. That is a lot of function for a space that for most of us, isn't typically all that large. It requires a lot of seating, comfortable, durable finishes and furnishings, good lighting, but not too bright or it interferes with the TV, and enough floor space to play the Wii without smashing something! Right?!

A dining room needs a table and chairs, but what about space to store linens or dishes? And wouldn't it be nice if there was a space to set up a buffet or display desserts during holiday gatherings? This is a pretty easy one to figure out, but what about finishes and colors? This is where it gets in to what you like!

There are certain colors that invoke certain psychological reactions and it would do well to use those colors if you are looking for a certain reaction to your space. For example, the color red in a dining room increases the metabolism and stimulates the palate, thus encouraging energetic conversation, lively parties and gatherings. Think of a large Italian family gathered around the table... you know the colors would be bold and so would the food and fun! Green is a calming to a space; so if you like your meals quiet and relaxing, this is the color for you, would work great in a breakfast room, to wake you gently.

My best suggestion for a starting point is finding the inspiration piece. Maybe it's a piece of furniture or a color or a piece of art that you love, you can use anything! Ladies, have you ever designed an outfit around a pair of earrings or shoes? It's the same concept, only larger!

One other thing that I think helps when you just don't know where to start is thinking outside the box. Now, I've talked before about using furniture in ways that they weren't originally intended, but here it is again. When you are needing a buffet for your dining room, think about a dresser in a bedroom that you aren't using. You can also use extra dining chairs in a bedroom if you don't use them all the time. Try a drop-leaf table for a desk in the corner of the den, you can put the leaves up for more work surface and then fold them back down when you need the space. I love armoires, and I use them for everything from storing clothing, hiding the TV, a "desk" (because I can close the doors on my mess) and I've even used one in a hallway for a coat closet for guests. 

I like using old things, and repurposing so I love this book about Flea Market Decorating. Anyone can do it, it doesn't take a lot of money to be creative. It's about thinking out side the box, about recycling, reusing, but it's about having things around you that you love! It might just be that you can find inspiration from something old to create a new space!

So, what of all of this book writing and book reading on the subject of decorating and design... Everyone has their own likes and dislikes, and there couldn't be enough books written to describe every taste out there, so read the books (or blogs) and take advice, but write your own story in your space!