Sure, we all get inspired by a friend's house, or a great movie/TV set, or the latest issue of Domino. This weekend, we got hit on all three sides (a dinner party in San Marino, Cameron Diaz's home in The Holiday, and the latest copy of Elle Decor UK). After taking a moment to reflect on all the wonderful and ingenious decor ideas we saw, we stared grumpily around our home. It was time, the walrus said, to speak of many things: primarily, revamping our home style.
But before we pull the trigger, we're asking ourselves: how much of this redecorating is all a whim? After all, movies come and go, Domino will churn out another issue in a matter of weeks, and we're still regretting those blah nesting tables we got last month when we scratched this redecorating itch.
Some fashion experts advise us that style is about having smart basics and using accessories to keep the look up to date. This, they argue, allows us the freedom to experiment with trends without looking too ridiculous or spending boatloads of money on new wardrobes season in and season out. Do you think that's applicable to our homes? And if so, what are some of the home accessories that you change first?
P.S. If you, like us, are also inspired by Cameron Diaz's house in The Holiday, check out this post over at Chameleon Interior's blog where she shows us how to get the same look.
The first thing that I change is pillows. It's really easy to cover them with another fabric.
view nadnuk's profile
I have been really feeling that itch myself recently--particularly with my bedroom. I think part of it is spending so much time indoors in the winter. And, I'm SO impatient that I want to see insta-results...which is dangerous!
view Christine (the one in DC)'s profile
The only movie interior that I have really, really, loved is from Trois Hommes et un Couffin (Three Men and a Cradle, or Three Men and a Baby, the French original). I revisit the movie just to re-experience the interior. It is urbane, complex, multilayered... not even close to my style, but I love it. There is no way I could copy it, so I don't even try.
view mschatelaine's profile
I want: Hermione Gingold's "Gigi" interior or Diane Keaton's "As Good As It Gets" living room.
I have: non-descript, indefinite style, postage-stamp sized, walk-up studio.
My smart basic: chrome and glass parsons table I bought in 1983. I almost threw it out this move, but am so glad I didn't now. It still looks good despite its fine lines and enlarged pores ;-)
First accessories I change: bathroom shower curtain, towels and accessories. Then curtains/window treatments. Every single move necessitates new sizes/weights...its a given that the old treatments never fit or work, sigh!
view tahitianpearl's profile
I think the home in The Holiday is unbelievably boring. Might as well go down to Pottery Barn and just buy a whole room. This has no individual flair or interesting pieces at all.
view alexeight's profile
Style does involve having smart basics. In considering changes, the issue is getting to the base of "basic". A frustration for me was visiting a friend's or family member's home that was so much nicer than my small apartment then returning to my disappointing place. Then it occurred to me that I might not be so dissatisfied with my apartment, if I duplicated some elements there from these other homes. As a result, I started with infrastructure, replacing all the standard wall switches with sleek Decora rockers, later came other "base" style projects, (ie: paint, floorcovering, lighting, etc. All of which were "basic" changes whose overall effect improved the space and my perspectives of it.
I think the most successful interiors incorporate timeless rather than trendy elements and both look and function comfortably. This doesn't mean one should shun the trendy, but I think a careful assessment of whether you'll be as happy with the item in 5 years is good. As for myself, I love timeless eclectic interiors where each piece stands on its own, yet functions harmoniously with everything else.
view John H's profile