Uncluttered Decorating
This is an article I was reading today and couldn't agree a more with it. Although I do publish information on home decor and decorating.
Decorating for the un-senses by Marni Jameson, For The Calgary Herald - Published:Saturday, March 01, 2008 she also has a book available - The House Always Wins
It starts out - Busy family homes need baking soda and soundproofing more than candles, soft throws and fountains. As a father of 5 teenagers at home I couldn't agree more. I really don't care if my kitchen is inviting me in, mind you if it did I figure it is possessed anyway.
As I help my wife in the kitchen (ok stop laughing now and lets just say thinking about helping) I realize its more about travel time and how many trips to the cupboard you have to take to get something. If you watch someone long enough doing a task even vacuuming you quickly see how much they are on their feet and how pretty little home accents just collect dust and get in the way.
The only real sensory feeling you need is what lots of bright light gives, thats what makes a room feel inviting and it doesn't matter if it's the bedroom, family room or kitchen or how expensive the decor is.
A home should be functional before anything else. Before you add anything in the kitchen you should ask yourself - will it save me time (cooking or travel). If it doesn't then look for something else. Let take pot racks for instance; if you have one hanging above the stove this can save you time from climbing in a cupboard for the pot you always use, but your kids seem to think it is supposed to be buried way in the back. This kitchen accessory is great if you have a sore back and can't bend as well anymore. You get the idea this is a useful item and can be very decorative at the same time.
Bedrooms need as little as possible to stay functional and organized, unless you enjoy clutter.Laminate floors with one area rug is the easiest to clean.
My thoughts (Marni Jameson broke it down like this)
Sight - A clean uncluttered floor adds a whole new dimension to a room.
Smell - If you like to use scented candles ( I don't allow them in my teenagers rooms). Choose a scent that is seasonal, spring, fall and Christmas time. Summer scents - well if you like the smell of cut grass go ahead on it.
Marni Jameson has a good idea listed in her article about noise. If you have a family room in the basement or a noisy bedroom beside you insulate the walls. You can have insulation blown in and this will keep the noise level down. Or buy all your kids mp3 players that only work with headphones.
The only point I disagreed on was "touch" the temperature in rooms. They should be kept on the cool side they usually heat up during the day anyway. My wife and daughters love soft blankets and pillows when watching TV. As long as the colors are co-ordinated with the other furnishings they will look good. What I had to do was add a blanket rack, because the throws were left just like that thrown on the couch.
For me food belongs on the kitchen counter unless you are entertaining or you have to make a special trip to the store at 10:00 o'clock at night because a few certain individuals seem to think you are only there to get them chocolate bars.
As far as bathroom lighting goes, the brighter the better. Side mirror lights are best, if you hear someone complaining about turkey neck. Having light shine from above a vanity creates a shadow under your chin and is not the best for putting on makeup. The most important part of lighting is not the design but the type
of light bulb you choose. I just want to add here that it is that time of year that we all should be out cleaning the garage. Treat this like you are decorating any other room in your home. You can read more about planning a garage storage area.
