A couple weeks ago I did my first Designer FAQ post about “Where to Invest”. Today I’d like to do a second post on jumping off points.
Often times, the most difficult part of tackling a design project on your own is choosing a starting point. When you work with a designer, they choose that for you. But independently people often feel intimated by the number of options. Do you choose your biggest piece first? Your investment piece? Your color scheme?
My starting point is more often than not, based on a textile. I choose something I love and everything else always seems to fall into place for me. So here are a couple examples from my own home.
For my bedroom in our old house, I fell in love with the watercolor Rubelli fabric that I ultimately only used as a small lumbar pillows. Using that fabric I chose the fabric for my headboard, as well as the rest of my bedding and wall color. I knew I needed to balance the bold choices with more subtle ones, hence the glass lamps, white shades and white nightstands. The polka dot duvet and shams from Biscuit provided a small scale pattern to balance the bold floral.
Photo by Anjali Pinto
My living room all began with Kelly Wearstler’s Bengal Bazaar fabric. All of the other pieces fell into place after I had chosen that. I knew I needed more pattern, but more simple, two-color patterns to pair with it. The ikat provided me with a perfect color base and served as the stand out piece in the space, but the layers are what made it feel complete. With the the bold pattern, I chose solid, neutral sofa and a glass coffee table to avoid having the chairs feel too heavy.
Photo by Danielle Moss
I happen to love fabric. It serves as one of my biggest sources of inspiration, so its no surprise that it is the perfect jumping off point for me. So, in the end, choose something that inspires you. Something that can carry a room and everything else will start to fall into place. Don’t rush. Create a plan before you move forward.
Any other Designer FAQs you’d like addressed?
I’d love to get your opinion on wallpaper! Our house was built in 1902 and has a formal dining room, so wallpaper would seem to fit in there, but I’m scared it will make it look dated. How do you decide on a wallpaper that’s not too dated, but not too modern either?
I definitely agree with creating a plan…sometimes it is hard to find a “jumping off” point when there is so much inspiration out there floating around! Mine usually start from a textile as well! Loving this series
Where is your pink headboard from? I LOVE it!
I love your style! I just started working with an interior decorator & love finding new blog inspiration!
-Taylor
Tbissett.blogspot.com
ermahgerd. i made it to your fancy blog roll on the side
I tried to comment on today’s post but it wouldn’t let me? see you tonight lady love!
http://www.itsthelittlethingsblog.blogspot.com
I just found your blog and I think this is a great series! Other topic ideas: how to style the blank space above your sofa and dresser as well as tips to picking out hardware for interior doors. Thanks!
Hi! Your style never ceases to amaze me. I wish I could fly you out to Boston and just have you do my whole house! Feel proud of your wonderful talent. Do you mind sharing what color you painted the walls of your bedroom?
Suzanne
Thanks so much Suzanne. The color is Plymouth Rock by Benjamin Moore