A classic beauty.  What makes a classic so beautiful?  Its ability to glide effortlessly into foreign environments.  Mix and mingle with those from different backgrounds.  Throw classic and modern together, and voila – sophisticated.  Bohemian and classic, fun with polish.  Classic never goes out of style.  It gives depth and interest to a place.  It’s a bit like a neutral without ever being boring.  My favorite classic decorative motif then is the fret. Known also as Greek Key, Key Fret, Meandering Design, and I am sure there are others.

Samuel & Sons

Matouk.com

It’s depth, I suppose, comes from centuries of being part of a multi-cultural history.  If I were a betting gal I would say that the Greek’s were responsible for its invention.  They were responsible for so much; indoor plumbing, the Olympics, the alarm clock (for which I am grateful and owe in part my steady employment), cartography (map making), democracy, philosophy, need I go on?  I’d be wrong though, as Mayan pottery, Egyptian tombs,  Chinese and Japanese textiles, and of course Greek architecture all feature this interconnecting “G” pattern.  It’s been painted on, inlaid, carved, woven, and printed.  I find it soothing in its repetitive nature, and bold all at the same time.

The Cultural Exchange

The world of decorating takes full advantage of this timeless pattern.  It can be found featured as a trim on curtains, pillows, painted as a border under a crown molding, lining the inside or outside of a bowl, as a pattern on a blanket.  It never gets old and always seems to add that little je ne sais quoi that speaks to sophisticated design.

Suzanne Kasler:  Classically Inspired.

I plan to trim my living room curtains with it.  That is, after I get that bloody chandelier hung, and as soon as I figure out how I am going to hang said curtains.  Nothing is as simple or straightforward as is might be.  Some trim resources if you plan on doing the same:

• Samuel & Sons (to the trade),
• M & J Trimmings
• Etsy
• Zimman’s . Lynn . MA (limited quantities and selection)

Whether you introduce it in a small way like a set of coasters displayed on a side table, or in an ever present fashion through the use of a elegant wall covering, even a newbie decorator need not “fret” when using this motif.  Toss it in your tool kit, and like your trusted tape measure, plan on using it frequently.

Romeo may have been as perfect called by any other name, but apparently having street cred isn’t enough to call oneself an Interior Designer.  As someone that was previously an Interior Design candidate, I am well aware of the distinction.  Education, certification, the ability to move interior walls, understand the code, be schooled in color theory, the history of furniture – the provenance of things, all command respect for the special designation.  I love school.  I love learning in formal, and informal settings.  I appreciate the confidence, and the voice one acquires by way of a formal education, but I appreciate too that some people just have what it takes.

I’ve been in love with Ben Moore so long…if I met one I’d have to marry him.

I had a dear friend (she now lives far from me) that has that design ability – what I call a “design eye”, in spades.  She could transform you in the back seat of a cab with a tube of lip gloss and spit, into a super model before you emerged at an event 10 minutes later.  She turned apartments into showcases with a couple of cans of paint, and garage sale furniture.  I once saw her transform a restaurant into a fashion show runway with $30., a trip to Chinatown, and paper umbrellas.  You cannot imagine the depths of brilliance she had in her little pinky–and hear me loud and clear – she had no formal training.  She’s now turned her talents to jewelry design, and trust me she continues to sparkle.  Samatha can be found at:  http://www.shopsamanthahouse.com/  

Samantha House Jewelry

Asteroid Necklace

I know people love titles.  New titles are being invented every day.  I had my chance at Interior Design, but finances stopped me short of the designation.  Perhaps I’ll make up my own title.  I’d want it to be beyond fabulous. Something like:

• Meretisa of the Manse
• Vision Caster
• Decorateur du Jour

I may need to consult Samantha – the master of reinvention.  I think these titles need some work.  Alas, whether I stumble into a bucket of fabric samples, or splash dozens of paint colors across the walls of my homes, I undoubtedly know what I like.  Sometimes it comes to me in that space between sleep and wakefulness, other times through a very messy trial and error.  I don’t judge the process, and try to enjoy the product.

Credentials or none, on your own, or with assistance, no one should dictate what’s good design – that’s for you to decide.  And for goodness sakes – have fun with it.

First I would like to say – “wow” and thank you for the response to yesterday’s blog on “tidying up”.  I know the new year and making resolutions to do better, be better, be your idealized self is alluring.  Fun even.  And you should have fun with it.  The KonMari Method – even if not strictly followed can lead to a mind-shift that’s pretty positive.  Asking oneself if they really love something is a pretty straight forward way of showing the door to that which you don’t adore, and getting organized.  I wish everyone luck throughout the year – at every tag sale, and turn, don’t forget to ask yourself…does it speak to me?  What am I willing to give up to welcome it into the mix?  You and your home will be the happier for it.

I’m suggesting that today, you keep firmly in mind that idea of a shift as we talk about budgeting.  After all – this is a fresh start.  Why then does it feel like such a dirty word…budget.  Ugh.  Don’t go hiding your head under cover of your Instagram account or in the pages of some glossy magazine.  Let’s see what we might do to make it feel a little more attractive.

Financial constraints can feel unfair, but I can assure you they are a good thing.  It forces you to develop a design plan, conduct research, slow erratic decision making – you know – those “what was I thinking” moments, hit the pavement and visit lots of home goods stores to sit in, touch, and absorb the myriad of colors, textures, and materials.

BUDGETING IS FUNDAMENTAL TO YOUR SUCCESS:

• Write it down, and be realistic (find out what that chair you’ve had your eye on REALLY costs),
• It supports informing your design style,
• Necessity is the art of invention (you’ll become more creative in achieving the look you’re after when you put perimeters around your budget – the design will be the more interesting for it)
• You’ll realize you do have choices:  to splurge on one big ticket, jaw dropping, show stopping moment, allowing your other belongings to take second stage, or to go low budget, all new.  (most will choose to mix new and old, with a single dramatic element).

Low Cost: Kardiel $499.

High Cost: Design within Reach $4,300.

Above you see low cost and high cost options – left hand Kardiel at $499., right hand Design within Reach Arn Jacabson Swan Chair $4300.

If you are the patient sort (not me!) you can phase your perfect room over time, trading out old items for new, and appreciating a gradual progression.  If patience is not a virtue you possess – be prepared to purchase economical items that may not have the cache or durability of their more pricey counterparts.  There are benefits to this….one doesn’t have to feel too guilty about posting that same item on Craig’s List 6 months or a year later and replacing it with a more refined piece.  Find your way.  Build the budget, and mix and match your options until you find the scheme that’s in alignment with your budget.

Navy and white with gold accents geometric wallcovering

grey and white geometric wallcovering

Discount wallpaper sites like Wallpaperstogo.com and Wallpaperwarehouse offer really cost effective options ranging from $15.99 a rool to $60.00.  Wallpaper can make a space feel luxe quickly.

Tips for every room that can help keep budgets in check:

• rooms shouldn’t have more than one major wow moment.  Too many cause distraction in the viewer (good news for the budget – often one high priced item will do the trick)
• Wallpaper and paint can have major impact.  Affordable options of both abound.
• Invest in classic pieces and you’ll likely find a place for them – even if that means moving them from room to room.  This will save you from having to buy new.

I have transformational powers, but I’m not a deity.  Budgeting will never be sexy, but not being in debt will be. Everyone, even the uber riche need to make choices – choose wisely, delay gratification, enjoy the ride.

It seems fitting that at the beginning of the year one should consider organization.  When my boss Lisa, an avid reader, gave me a book entitled:  “The Life-changing Magic of Tidying Up – the Japanese art of decluttering and organizing” – I was intrigued on a number of levels.  First, it is no secret that I love throwing things away, and second, I clearly overindulge in the use of the word MAGIC. It’s so captivating, I can’t resist.  And there it was, sitting squarely in the middle of the title, looking perfectly symmetrical, hinting at the tiny elegance and beauty that is the Japanese way.  And third, because three IS the magic number, though I am religious about my “one in one out rule”, I could still stand to do some tidying up!

So I went in search of some insight.  The KonMari Method (a combo of the author’s last name) I gleaned is what the French refer to as mise en place. This is of course a culinary term, but I feel its appropriate for most things in life, as it translates roughly to “putting in place”.  You can’t cook a beautiful meal if you don’t have all the ingredients, portioned, chopped, accessible, and at your fingertips.  Perhaps then it isn’t such a leap to believe that if your home isn’t free of clutter, and everything stowed away, while remaining easy to retrieve – you’ll never be able to keep a “tidy” house.

I really appreciated Marie’s exercise of holding all of your belongings, asking yourself – “do I love this thing”?  “does it speak to me”?  Instead of the more common declarations I find myself making before I decide to pack and move … yet again, another object that I no longer use.  It almost always goes something like this …”I paid $xx. for that thing and I’m not going to just throw it away”.  After Marie imparted her wisdom, I realized the error of my delusional ways.  Not only was that crazy lamp way too expensive the first time around, now I’ve paid to pack and move it three times.  It’s time to fish or cut bait.

Photoshoot Ready:  Mise en Place

I’ve always loved that saying – it conjures a call to action I can get behind.  That lamp is taking up valuable storage space on my closet shelf.  These are my choices, use the lamp, or let it go.  I’ve made my decision, it’s going in the Estate Sale I am going to hold in my apartment in a few weeks.  Great finds to be had, details to follow soon.

Once the unneeded items are dispensed with – apparently remaining tidy will be a breeze.  Marie also mentioned that upon following the KonMari Method one of her clients had done such a great job of divesting herself of items she realized she no longer needed, that she put her husband out with the trash.  I’m not advocating for this, and I certainly don’t think the extra space I made on the top shelf in my closet will open up enough space for a husband to slide in, but fortunately I know I could make room for him in my heart.  I’d include it as a footnote, but wouldn’t want it to be missed or misunderstood – I don’t currently have a husband.  I wouldn’t want any potential suitors to read this post and become discouraged.

It’s not about the bins:  Get rid of what you don’t love.

I hope your new year is getting off on the right organizational foot.  Remember, that which is most important, cannot be seen with one’s eyes.  Thank you Lisa for always sharing with me the most interesting things.

I can eye things with the best of them, but now and again I just want to know the rule, or what the rule was before designers decided you could break all the rules.  That’s not always the most helpful, and I can say from experience it can end in a hot mess.  No one said that it was ill advised to break multiple rules in the same room at the same time.  That should be a rule, and that’s where a little structure should be introduced.  It can increase your confidence as you prepare to make a decision or advice someone else.

A Celestial Experience

Domino Magazine – The Guide to Living with Style was my bible.  I waited with bated breath each month for its arrival.  I loved it so much I delayed the gratification of pouring over its pages until I had several hours of unassigned time.  I adored the small apartments they profiled, and their commitment to telling you where you could buy every last item – or a close approximation of the same – in each and every photograph. It was genius.  Until it wasn’t any longer.  I blame trenches and the Big Short, it couldn’t survive the crash, no advertising dollars, and it folded in 2009, but not before they published a book…Domino:  The Book of Decorating.  A room-by-room guide to creating a home that makes you happy.  Who doesn’t want a happy home?  (rumor has it book No. 2 is coming out this year or next!) It made the pain of loss a little easier to take.  That and the fact I hauled around the magazines from house to house for years, finally ripping out hundreds of pages, reverently placing the remains in the trash.  There are some things you shouldn’t ever have to move on from….Pre-crash Domino Mag is one of them.  I commend my sound, and extremely emotional decision making, in this case, as I return to those pages like a photograph of a cherished friend, and am reminded of all that is good in the world.  Domino, Domino, Domino, what a beautiful word.

Ok, let’s get serious, because the book seriously has good advise.  They not only know what a puddle is, but they know how much puddling is too much when it comes to curtains. If your carpet is an island they know just where the shoreline should be, how many people of all shapes and sizes you can squeeze around a 48″ round, and how far that coffee table should be from the sofa.  It’s like getting the cliff notes and acing the test.  It’s that last bit of advice for which I was on the hunt.  My dear friend Melissa just bought a lovely home with her husband and cuter than can be bebe – Henry.  A little girlie is on the way in just a few weeks so we need to move fast furnishing this place.  Melissa has many talents and apparently balancing beverages on the back of the sofa is one of them.  Please friends, don’t try this at home.  We need a coffee table and side tables – stat.  Domino notes that a standard coffee table is 17″ – 19″ tall, is placed roughly 18″ from the sofa, and is half to 2/3 its size.  This is good information to have. As I mentioned, hard and fast rules are a thing of the past.  You could place two small side tables side by side to serve as a coffee table.  You could make use of a large upholstered ottoman with a single hard tray as an alternative table.  Let your imagination go wild, but remember we all crave order.  Sometimes keeping it simple is the best solution. I hope these guidelines help make your home a happy place.

I love new beginnings, as evidenced by my constant moving.  There is a rhythm and familiarity to my constant motion, which I welcome.  Of course, it doesn’t require the bravery that moving to another state or country requires, where you must start fresh, building friendships, starting a new job, learning a new city or town, establishing all those places that are grounding forces in our lives.  The favorite neighborhood restaurant, the dry cleaner, cobbler, gym, and coffee shop.  Still – there is an excitement to the newness, and so the beginning of the year offers a similar opportunity to toss out the old – things, ideas, habits, and to re-establish.  Oh la la – the allure.  Even if your inclination was to resist – you cannot. Some foregone conclusions offer the most intriguing possibilities.  Don’t you think?

This Year is Yours by Alfred Lord Tennyson

God built and launched this year for you;
Upon the bridge you stand;
It’s your ship, aye, your own ship,
And you are in command.

Just what the twelve months’ trip will do
Rests wholly, solely, friend, with you.

Your logbook kept from day to day
My friend, what will it show?
Have you on your appointed way
Made progress, yes or no?

The log will tell, like guiding star,
The sort of captain that you are.

For weal or woe this year is yours;
Your ship is on life’s sea
Your acts, as captain, must decide
Whichever it shall be;

So now in starting on your trip,
Ask God to help you sail your ship.

How frightening and empowering to be the Captain of one’s own ship.  No fingers can be pointed, no one else to blame, I’ve set my sights on something, which I’ve been bold enough to name.  The coming year will track my progress and I hope you’ll track it too.  One must be kept honest or trouble will ensue.

If you are a resolution setter I hope yours will come true, and in your home you will imbue a certain sense of calm and welcome that represents all that is true.

Bonne et Heureuse Annee!