Decorating for Reality
12/7/2007 at 10:41:11 PM
Something that really bugs me is when people decorate their houses TOO perfectly. What I mean is, the homes look like they are displays in a furniture store or something. There's nothing really unique or special about it.
Don't get me wrong. I like a nice home--and a tastefully decorated one--just not one that lacks character.
Some things I really like to see:
1. Art
Not just for decoration--but real art. It doesn't have to be worth millions, but it should be interesting. Paintings, sculpture, pottery, mirrors, etc.
2. Mixed furniture
It just drives me insane to see whole sets of furniture that were bought together. Just because you buy a couch doesn't mean you have to buy the exact matching love seat, chair and ottoman. Spice it up! Your house doesn't have to look like a hotel lounge!
3. Color
Again--you don't have to match everything in one room. Use contrasting colors for a striking effect.
4. Books
I love to see books in a room. There's just somethign comforting about it. Whether it's a whole wall full of shelves, or a small stack on the coffee table.
5. Fresh flowers and plants
Yes, I know they're a pain to keep up--but nothing replaces a plant or a bouquet of fresh flowers.
12/9/2007 at 9:41:20 PM
Amanda,
There are times in my chaotic household, I wish for one of those 'show homes'. But in reality...it just wouldn't work.
I would rather my home be comfortable, for everyone that enters it. Like you mentioned, books are great for decor. There isn't a single room in my home lacking at least a couple books. In more social rooms of my home, I like to combine two of your suggestions by having books of art around. So many of our guests, mostly my sons' football buddies, really enjoy looking at them.
Another way we decorate is with personal pictures. We have a rec room of sorts with video game systems, a pool table, card/gaming tables and a couple dart boards. This is a frequently used room for entertaining. I keep my digital camera and picture printer around for parties. People are invited to take and print pictures which are then placed on the walls. Its a great way to share memories and people love looking at them.
4/11/2008 at 5:44:06 PM
I completely agree with you. I never understood why people advise on making your home less personalized when you're trying to sell it. If I'm buying a home, I'm going to feel more comfortable touring one that looks lived in over one that looks like a show room. Those show room homes look so artificial. I don't mind seeing family pictures and a few toys scattered here and there. It gives it character.
4/11/2008 at 5:44:06 PM
I completely agree with you. I never understood why people advise on making your home less personalized when you're trying to sell it. If I'm buying a home, I'm going to feel more comfortable touring one that looks lived in over one that looks like a show room. Those show room homes look so artificial. I don't mind seeing family pictures and a few toys scattered here and there. It gives it character.
4/15/2008 at 1:54:47 PM
It really bothers me when I don't see books or magazines in a home. It makes me wonder if the residents have any interests.
Among all of the thing one can decorate with and express their personality through, books are one of the most important!
4/25/2008 at 1:37:44 PM
well everyone wants their home to look like a fantasy one, can't blame them. they want guests to have good feelings about them and know they live well. but among all, i think books will be rare as most keep them in the reading room.
4/26/2008 at 12:08:08 PM
The colors we use can really make or break the design of our homes. I have seen houses that are not really attractive because of poor taste when it comes to the color of things they have in the different rooms in their houses.
4/26/2008 at 3:47:00 PM
I have always felt it was odd when realtors want people to depersonalize a home so much that it becomes cold and looks staged.
When I walk into a home, I want to know that the sellers loved it. This makes me feel that there will probably be less deferred maintenance than when homes are simply for sale and feel as if they were never loved.
6/2/2008 at 10:24:19 AM
I have to agree. A room that is overdone, cluttered or styled too perfect does not look comfortable and appears artificial. The key is modesty. By all means, accessorize with personal items. This can make any room look livable and adds interest. However, simplicity is far greater than luxury and grandeur. Comfort and convenience can be scaled down and is affordable for any pocketbook.
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