I'm so Honored and Excited!!!

No I was not nominated for a Nobel Prize - ha!

Friend R emails me. . ."Can you either send me some photos of your house, or post some on your blog? I need inspiration. . ."

Luckily for R we have no fewer than 500 pics of this little house. (It's a little sickness of mine). It's time I take a few new ones anyway. I take them periodically so I have them in case anything unfortunate happens. They might help the police recover property (Right. . .) or the insurance guy.

Anyway, I'll be spouting off about my "decorating genius" (haha) over the next few days. Hopefully, can get a few posted tonight in case she wants to plan a weekend project! Apologies in advance to her darling Husband.

Here are a couple of thoughts for starters:
1. Unless you absolutely adore it, it shouldn't be in your house. (Or your closet. . .'cept for Spanx - they are necessary).

2 I don't necessarily believe in comfortable or functional. Although you can achieve it. However, if I have to pick comfort or style, I'll pick style every time. (Consider my wretched stiletto habit the ultimate proof).

3. Personal style takes time to collect items you love OR an obscene amount of money and a decorator that "gets you."

4. It's ok to wander around your house with on object in your hand for hours on end until you find the perfect spot to put it. (Unless you say, have a job or other annoying places to be timely). In which case, you might have to move an effing vase 15 times in one week! (That's a conservative estimate).

5. Don't limit yourself. If you want a waffle iron in your bathroom (not recommended for a host of obvious reasons) you can find a way to pull it off. Weirdness or unconventional notions add interest so long as you do them with conviction and a sense of humor, whimsy, or irony.

6. Be Brave - Color, pattern, and textures are so important.

7. Find a statement piece (or more). . .A velvet chaise, a floor to ceiling mirror, an aubergine painted claw foot tub, some fabulous art. Pick the statement pieces carefully. They should best represent your style. . .but they should also be flexible.

Example: If you think you have a romantic style, purchase velvet chaise - not too ornate - just about any solid color would work. It will be at home in your bedroom, living room, or den. When you marry that fellow who likes traditional or even modern spaces, your chaise will still fit right in just about anywhere. Use a toss pillow or throw to help tie it in or update it. If you purchased that chaise in a romantic pink floral chintz, it wouldn't work so well in a traditional or modern setting.

NOTE: I need to get ready for work but given my minor OCD, I want a list of ten - LOL!!!

8. History - Not everything in your home needs to have a lively past. But things that reflect you and your past help make the space yours. They don't have to be expensive antiques or vile hand-me-downs. . .Memories are great - just don't get too precious or sentimental. And don't let the collection overwhelm anyone area. (The "college" room debacle is another post).

Examples: Shells/sea glass/pebbles collected on vacations displayed in jelly jars labeled with place & date; family photos (or copies); a massive cork collection labeled with date and occasion you had the wine/champagne; a silver baby cup can hold Q-tips in the powder room or on your vanity. A circa WWII framed note from grandpa to grandma is good. A wall of notes from your stupid ex-love interests is bad, creepy, and rather stalkerish!!!

9. Scale is very important. You can wedge a big piece in a small space but it needs to be the right big piece. However, small pieces in a cavernous room have a difficult time holding their own.

10. Be your fabulous self and it will be authentic. If you're not true to yourself, it's going to look contrived.