So many times as I work with a client I see that items were placed in a room without much thought. Some people purchase random things they like and assume it will all work together in the end.
Sometimes a hodge-podge approach can work, especially if the items aren’t big or make much of an impact.
When larger, more focal pieces are on hand, it is important to consider what direction you plan to go in the space. I hear so many people say, “Something is wrong in this room, and I can’t figure it out.”
Usually, subconsciously, the unbalanced space is speaking to you and just feels off kilter.
If you want a room that feels relaxing, you must focus on more neutral or pale colors. You wouldn’t add a pop of red or orange in a room that you want to feel calm.
There is a reason that McDonalds uses bright colors. They want you energized and to come in and get out….FAST food! Conversely, most spas use calm colors that speak to your soul and relax you. It can be very subliminal.
Consider the community you live in. I work with some clients, sometimes in Aiken, who have horses on their property. I might use some artwork or details in the design scheme that relate to horses.
I am not talking about just adding some simple horse artwork. Maybe, I use pillows that have a horse bit of creatively attached. Maybe you use horse hair tassels hanging from a knob on a console. Try to be sophisticated about it.
Below are two rooms in a recent home I furnished and decorated in a lovely marsh and Savannah River community called River Island.
It’s all about low country living.
My client was starting from scratch, we had a lot to think about. In the living room I felt two of the most impactful design elements would be the chandelier and the art over the consoles to the left and right of the focal fireplace.
As I have discussed before, scale is very important, especially where lighting is concerned. So, although I was limited with my options considering I needed a super large chandelier and I found the perfect one.
It is reminiscent of reeds of marsh grass. And the flowing movement of the reeds played very nicely off of the geometric coffered ceiling.
The artwork, again due to the size required, was limiting. It was even more difficult because I needed a pair. Then I found these great Marsh birds among the grass that played off of the chandelier.
The bathroom, overlooking the Savannah River, required a little privacy and my client also wanted some natural light to disperse into the room.
As the builder had trimmed the window out nicely with some wood trim, we decided to keep the window treatment within the window. We didn’t want anything heavy. We found a great natural linen textural fabric that felt very organic, again, considering we were on the river.
With just a little pleating and gathering, this simple treatment continued the theme of the low country community.
