Just because its in a magazine, doesn't make it good design

When we flip through the pages of magazines and catalogues (or view them on our ipads) often we assume that just because something is published then it must be good design or in style.  Unless of course the article states otherwise, which is what I am doing now.    Although there are rules to achieving good design that should be followed, rules can be broken to show a unique look or quirky style.  The secret is knowing when and how to break the rules.

Do you notice anything that looks 'off' in this room's design?

Okay, so bear in mind that these are just my opinions and you may beg to differ on some of the points that I make - call me on it, I love a good debate!  However, instantly I notice a few things that go against good design and no, it's not the picture - in fact I kinda like that quirkiness.  

1) The table and rug are completely disconnected from the couch and the rug is too small.  Having an area rug that sits underneath each leg of the seated furniture is essential for creating an 'oasis'.

2) The drapery rod looks as thin as a toothpick and not nearly substantial enough to hold a tea towel, let alone curtains.  Drapery hardware is just as important as the draperies themselves and with all the options for rods and finials, you are spoiled for choice so be sure not to cheap out here.

3) The draperies themselves are too short and look like the workroom ran out of fabric or the floor dropped between the time the measurements were taken and the curtains were installed.  Floods have never been popular for me in fashion and if your going to put out the money for window treatments, be sure to do it right by taking them all the way to the floor.

This male model in floods looks almost as awkward as those draperies.

The picture below has beautiful colours, a gorgeous stone fireplace and nice furnishings.  The problem is that the entire set up is completely impractical for everyday living. 

There is a trunk blocking the fireplace - but you may not see that with all the books piled so high on the coffee table.  The window seats look great and most people love the idea of them until they have one and realise it's the most uncomfortable place to sit. (but I stand by my word, they do look nice) Finally, I hope no one has to close that door on their way out or the lamp is going with them!  lol

Oscar Green Room, 2012.

The colours in this Oscar green room (above) are on trend, set the mood well and in general I like the set up.  However, the coffee table is way too small for the size of the couch. This is a common mistake in design, getting the scale right can be tricky.  The picture below is another example of not achieving a good  balance in regards to the lighting. In my opinion the 'ball' fixtures are too heavy and therefore too overpowering for this space.

These light fixtures are an eye sore to me either way, totally unflattering.

Patterns on fabrics, wallpaper and rugs are a great way to add interest to a room or to use as an inspiration piece to get you started.  When designing a space it's important to concentrate on having one main focal point in a room that can be a real attention grabber. 

There is so much going on here with patterns and textures the eye has no place to rest.

Any one of these items could be used as a conversation piece or focal point but because there are so many different colours, textures and patterns, the funkiness of the ideas are lost.  For me, there is not one item that grabs my attention because everything seems so distracting when put together.  The same rules apply when putting together an outfit and adding fashion accessories.

Renovate or Relocate?

Purchasing an older house that requires it's fair share of updating projects could inevitably lead to this question.  It's easy to underestimate the depth and cost of renovations when initially purchasing a home, especially if it's your first time on the property ladder.  If after a few years, a few renovations and way more than a few thousand dollars there is still lots to be done, at what point should you consider whether you are going to love it or list it?

This is a dilemma that I have personally been wrestling with since we moved back from England and purchased our 3 bedroom bungalow nearly 8 years ago now.  While I can envision transforming each space into a designer showroom - adding skylights, high end finishes and beautiful landscaping  - the burning questions that run through my mind are:

1. Does this home have the potential to be all that we need (and want) it to be?

2. Will the hard work & money get us a decent return on our investment if we sell at a later date?

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Now don't get me wrong, I understand that owning a home equates to ongoing maintenance and continuous decorating projects.  However, there are a few considerations to determine if those hard efforts are going to pay off in the long run and make it a functioning home for you and your family to create lasting memories in. 

Here is a short list I compiled while deliberating the issue for myself that you may find  helpful as a reference if you (or a client) is in a similar situation.

*Function - First and foremost you need a home that will function well for the purposes that you require.  Storage is a big issue for many of us, but choosing practical furnishings, multipurposing items and being well organised can help alleviate this problem.  If your still running out of space and putting on an addition is not an option, moving to a bigger home may be the solution. 

A little busy, but is it multi-functional? Heck ya!



*Family & Friends-  For me, having friends and family close by is important so that we can gather frequently with little effort going into planning the time we spend together.   Also, because I do not have set working hours, having people I trust close by to watch the kids is very helpful and much appreciated.

*Amenities - Travel time to places such as work, recreational facilities, medical offices, restaurants and shops definitely impacts on your daily life.  Being close to these amenities can save time and make life that much easier.  However, you generally  get more bang for your buck if you are willing to move further out of the city limits.  

This is peaceful and dreamy to me

*Location, Location, Location - Be careful how much money you put into renovations because  all  neighbourhoods have a limit of how much houses will sell for, no matter how grand you make them.  Speaking to a Realtor for a free home evaluation and taking a look at comparables within the neighbourhood is a wise move before putting out the cash to rebuild your home.  

*Needs vs Wants - Ensuite bathrooms with double sinks, walk in closets, refridgerators with tv's and triple car garages - when going through your list of requirements be sure to prioritise what's a necessity and what's a luxury.  Once all that's been worked through if there's still money left over, then by all means indulge and shoot for the sky!     

 

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*Costs - Be mindful of the costs involved when working through your pros and cons list for renovating or relocating.  Property taxes can vary depending on which area you live in and having a larger home will incur higher utility bills and require more furnishings.  Or if your an empty nester your house may be bigger than you require and downsizing could be the way to go.  

Either way, your home is the single biggest investment that you will ever make.  For this reason it's important to maintain and update it as and when you can afford to.  That way, if and when you decide to move you will have protected your investment wisely and helped retain its value.

If you are choosing to renovate and want advice for making your dreams for your home a reality, please contact me and I will be happy to help.  Alternatively, if you are looking to relocate and would like Home Staging advice, I can help with that too.  E-mail me: claire@creatingcontrastdesigns.com

Good luck with whatever you decide!

IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT NOW WILL YOU LEARN TO LOVE IT LATER?

In my previous posting from the Furniture show I mentioned that the Pantone colour of the year was Tangerine Tango.    When I received my March 2012 issue of Elle Decor magazine this week I was not surprised to see how often the similar reddish orange tones appeared as I flipped through the first few pages.  I found half a dozen advertisements using this hue again and again - including the cover page.  Coincidence?  I think not.

The more you see a colour, product or style the more likely you are to accept and embrace it, maybe even learn to love it.  Think about contemporary design for a minute. I don't know about you but when this type of design first became popular I was NOT a fan.

But just like fashions from the worlds' famous runways, as items are filtered down they appeal more to the average consumer.  Before we know it we've become desensitised  and more accustomed to what we see regularly and our tastes may have changed and adapted subconsciously over time.

This is ultra modern design

Filtered down to a more mainstream design, you may find it easier to live with this kitchen than the one pictured above

So, have you fallen for the modern trends in design and colour?  Or are you sticking to your guns with more traditional styles and modest hues?  You may find yourself somewhere in the middle mixing old world furnishings with new decor accents.  Either way, as long as you surround yourself with what you love then you will be happy, so go for what excites and inspires you!

If are seeking advice on what design style choice is right for you, then please contact me and I can help make your dreams for your home a reality.  E-mail me at: claire@creatingcontrastdesigns.com to book an appointment for a consultation.