Regaining Inspiration
by Connie Williamson
We
all want to make our homes look "House & Home" style, but sometimes we just
run out of ideas and inspiration. By viewing other people's decorating ideas
it becomes a constant source of inspiration that will keep your house looking
chic and opulent..
Recently I visited the apartment of Paula Stephenson, who is currently working
her way through the Real Estate course and working part time as a commissioned
sales representative. Needless to say, with Paula being both a student and
on a commission, her budget is tight. I was impressed by her innovative
decorating ideas, which have cost her next to nothing, at the same time
giving the impression of an ornate design scheme. Some of her decorating
ideas are completely new and something that we would never have thought
of on our own, while at other times they are just a new perspective to an
old theme.
We are all aware that while renting an apartment you struggle with decorating
limitations. Not only are you dealing with small spaces, but most apartment
complexes will not allow you to paint or add architectural features such
as wainscoting or crown molding to enhance the decor of your space. These
limitations can be challenging when it comes to home decor, but after visiting
and hearing one apartment owners story I am convinced that your imagination
is your only limitations.
I asked Paula to describe her vision for decorating when you "really" are
on a budget and adhered to limitations!
You've probably read many articles about decorating on a "shoestring". Their
idea of a shoestring is not the same as mine. In the past year I have been
supporting myself on very limited funds - some months I could barely pay
my rent, and bills had to be prioritized".
Paul also explains that "Socializing and outside functions were a thing
of the past. I found I was spending much more time at home, and realizing
that home could be a great place to hang out, and if I spiffed it up a bit,
it would also be a great place to entertain friends".
As I literally had very little money to spend on decorating, and with the
restrictions placed on rental apartments, I had to use my creative skills
to create a deceptively expensive and sophisticated abode."
In the living room in which I sat as I spoke with Paula, you could feel
the warmth and energy that the room possessed from the results of Paula's
creative skills. As you entered the room you are greeted with uniquely displayed
treasures that were collected from past travels. Two matching torche lamps
placed on either side of her stone fireplace, were turned into plant stands
to mimic a palm tree effect. A beautiful Chinese paper lantern placed under
a glass top coffee table, sets off an intimate glow to light up the small
living room.
These little paper lamps are so inexpensive and with limited lighting and
no room to add end tables I needed to come up with an alternative solution".
says Paula.
In order to envision an idea, I pulled out what decor and accessories that
I already had, which mostly consisted of primitive masks from my past travels
in New Guinea, West Africa and Indonesia, along with a 15 year old sectional
couch, some old torche lights that didn't work, and some third-hand bookshelves".
"I needed a dining room table and chairs, but had no budget, amazingly enough
a few days later someone in my building had thrown out an old table and
two old chairs. After dragging these up to my apartment, it was a matter
of pressure cleaning the table top, cleaning the chairs and buying two inexpensive
slipcovers for them."
I decided that I would continue to check the "garbage", garage sales, flea
markets, etc for any other treasures that people threw out, (end of the
month is a good time for this adventure!). Over the past two years I have
since dragged in a china cabinet that once the layers of paint were stripped,
a beautiful engraved rose wood cabinet appeared. I have also collected an
antique sewing machine table, baskets, plants, and even some brass accessories!"
As Paula created her "theme room", deciding on an "African Adventure Room",
she added inexpensive pieces like an area rug with a design of palm trees
that mimics the torche lights that now hold two beautiful fern bushes. A
palette that relies on warm, earthy neutrals and rich spice tones; and a
conspicuous absence of pattern except for the stripped couch unifies the
theme and makes it work. An old steamer trunk that used to belong to her
Granny was repainted and used as a side table.
Paula's results and hard work reflects a home that she is proud of, a space
that is comfortable for her to work and where her friends felt they were
really in another world. She reminds us to make furniture foraging a hobby.
Hunt secondhand stores and garage sales on a regular basis. Go early for
the best deals. Or, find out when stores pick up goods and be there when
they unload the truck. Don't be afraid to ask for lower prices.
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About The Author
For more information on home staging please visit Serenity Redesign at http://www.serenityredesign.com, or contact Serenity's home staging expert, Connie Williamson at (780) 417-9521 or connie@serenityredesign.com.
