We all like the idea of skinny, but some things in your home need to have substance to really do their job. When it comes to home design and decor, here's today's question:
Q: What are four things that tend to be too skimpy in our homes?
A: Area rugs, curtains, lamps, and art.
Area Rugs: Rugs are supposed to soften a room, anchor the furniture, and be a key element in your decorating. Too often, though, we are afraid to spend up for the 8x10 and get the 5x8 instead. The result? A room that looks cluttered, busy, and unfinished. When choosing an area rug, pick a size that will go under all the main seating pieces (sofa, chairs, etc) or at least allow the two front feet of each piece to be on the rug. You almost can’t go too big, just aim to leave about foot of space between the edge of the rug and the walls. Afraid it will cover up too much of your beautiful hardwood floors? Think of it like a beautiful woman - sometimes the skin revealed is that much more lovely because of what the evening gown covers up.
Curtains: In the Northwest we don't like to cover up our windows too much because we want to let the light in. We opt for naked windows or just simple grommetted curtains. There is nothing wrong with that in the least, but if you are going to hang curtains, make sure to choose a good sized rod with attractive finials - a chunky 1.5" rod does so much more to dress your windows than a skinny 1/2" rod. More importantly, hang lined curtains! Generally speaking, unlined curtains will look more like bedsheets hanging from your windows, reminiscent of your college days instead of a grown-up home. There are plenty of off-the-shelf lined curtain options, so banish the bedsheet-look asap!
Lamps: Lamps should be both art and light. Their functionality comes in three forms. First, to give enough light. That means that the bulb size and wattage is enough to light the area you are trying to light. It also means that the shade lets light through - colored, opaque, and stained-glass shades might be beautiful, but they also reduce the light coming from the lamp. Second, they have to be easy to use. That means they are sturdy and won't tip over easily. They must be easy to turn on from a wall or easy-to-find switch. They also must not be fragile - no temperamental switches, no wobbly shades, no broken bases. Third, they should be artful enough that you don't need a bunch of other clutter to make the table feel decorated. A candlestick lamp from the drug store might give enough light and be easy to use, but really falls flat when it comes to creating a warm, inviting, finished room. Swapping it for a globe-shaped hammered bronze lamp, or a glazed porcelain ginger jar lamp can make such a difference to feeling great in your room!
Art: Whether we are talking a ten-dollar poster from Ikea or an original Picasso, most people go too-small with their art, and expect a 12x16 print to fill an 8 foot wall. Make sure your artwork can do its job either by buying larger art in the first place, creating galleries by partnering several small pieces together, framing small art in large frames with generous mats, or creating a mat on the wall with paint to anchor small (or several small) individual pieces.
Every room will feel more warm, inviting, and finished if the items in it are doing their job. A room, even a small room, that is full of too-small objects and art will always end up feeling cluttered and naked. This year, try going BIG and see what a difference it can make!
