The editor of Better Homes and Gardens called us and asked us to help them complete a feature which in this August issue on "10 Ways to Dress Down" - Why not live in a living room - really live, the kick off your shoes kind of of living.
Simply put here's what they suggest:
1. Throw on Slipcovers - The perfect fix for a room and make a sofa seem like a place to flop down and read a book.
2. Show A Bit of Yourself - Books stacked on a coffee table, a tray of seashells your kids found, or a chalk board with doodles and to-do lists make a home seem well lived in and loved.
3. Bring in Texture - A wicker table, seagrass rug, and rattan basket will add that easy going look to any room. Just be careful not to over do it.
4. Rethink Bouquets - Anything from nature can be a bouquet. Wispy grass, twigs from trees, and colorful or interesting produce from a farmer's market can offer as much great conversation as they do beauty. "There is nothing more beautiful than a simple bowl full of apples."
5. Ease up on Art - Lean pictures on a mantel or windowsill instead of hanging them.
6. Add Something Old - A trunk as an end table, a flat dough bowl to hold bottles of cooking oils, or a toolbox for magazines - through in one of these off beat surprises. The key is to make sure that each item has a purpose.
7. Tone down the Glitz - Shiny things - a brassy lamp or silk pillow - say formal, while matte finishes say casual.
8. Lighten Up - Remove heavy treatments and hang airy linen panels, also wood shutters have a very coastal look. Also a fun way to liven up your cabinets is to paint the back of your cabinets a bright apple green or citrus to make them even more casual and fun - especially if your dishes are not bright.
9. Move Outside - A porch or patio is the essence of casual living. If you can eat or hang out in an outdoor space, add furniture that would make outdoor living easy.... such as a bistro set for eating, or a big farm table for family gatherings.
10. Simplify - If you have 10 pillows on your sofa - pick your favorite 3. You'll create a lighter, more relaxing space. Know why you have certain things and what they mean to you. Everything should have it's place and a story behind it.
4. Rethink Bouquets - Anything from nature can be a bouquet. Wispy grass, twigs from trees, and colorful or interesting produce from a farmer's market can offer as much great conversation as they do beauty. "There is nothing more beautiful than a simple bowl full of apples."
5. Ease up on Art - Lean pictures on a mantel or windowsill instead of hanging them.
6. Add Something Old - A trunk as an end table, a flat dough bowl to hold bottles of cooking oils, or a toolbox for magazines - through in one of these off beat surprises. The key is to make sure that each item has a purpose.
7. Tone down the Glitz - Shiny things - a brassy lamp or silk pillow - say formal, while matte finishes say casual.
8. Lighten Up - Remove heavy treatments and hang airy linen panels, also wood shutters have a very coastal look. Also a fun way to liven up your cabinets is to paint the back of your cabinets a bright apple green or citrus to make them even more casual and fun - especially if your dishes are not bright.
9. Move Outside - A porch or patio is the essence of casual living. If you can eat or hang out in an outdoor space, add furniture that would make outdoor living easy.... such as a bistro set for eating, or a big farm table for family gatherings.
10. Simplify - If you have 10 pillows on your sofa - pick your favorite 3. You'll create a lighter, more relaxing space. Know why you have certain things and what they mean to you. Everything should have it's place and a story behind it.
If you see anything in this feature that you just have to have, you know where to come!
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1 comments:
Love all the tips! Thanks!
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