Friday, October 28, 2016

3 top tips to create your own chic décor





Lovely readers of my Facebook page, Gretchen and Gemma recently asked if I’d share my décor tips.  I had a think about them, and here they are; I hope you enjoy!

Ask yourself what the vision for your home is

The wonderful Peter Walsh has a question for his clients that I’ve heard him use over and over in his books and audiobooks, and that is ‘what is your vision for this room?  It really helps to articulate that, and also note down the feelings you want to get from a room.

For the master bedroom my answers would be something like:

Soft textures, serene, boudoir, luxurious, hotel-like, clean and clear (clutter-free), relaxing, soothing, etc

This probably goes for the whole of my house actually, so I choose warm neutral tones to feel soothed and calm, I declutter and tidy on a regular basis so it feels organised and peaceful.

If you tear out magazine pages (or pin on your Pinterest board) bright coloured rooms with a statement neon sign, my style is going to sound so boring to you, but for me I couldn’t do with all that stimulation.  The thoughts in my head which never stop are quite stimulating enough, thank you!  So I choose a tranquil colour palette at home.

Go looking for your style

If you have magazines you can tear pages out of (not library magazines for example), tear out pictures you immediately warm to, even if you think they aren’t your style (‘too modern’, say).  Let them pile up a little, and one day go through them.  You might find certain colours or styles coming through.

When I did this I found I was drawn to warm neutral tones, with smokey glass, deep ochre and gold or bronze metals.  It was quite illuminating and helped me realise why the few shabby chic pieces I had in my home never felt right.  Integrating these elements into my home bit by bit really zazzed up the neutral décor; there wasn’t much cost involved either – a Salvation Army lamp, candle holders, cushion covers, a gold tray on our coffee table and different runners or cloths to dress the tables made from fabric remnants.

Update – don’t stay stuck

One very good reason why I like to keep a streamlined home with not too many possessions, is I can then update my décor on a semi-regular basis without feeling like I’m wasting money.  One lady I know of, has a highly decorated home with a lot going on in each room.  She told me she’d love to declutter for a more modern look, but she’s afraid to let go of the stuff ‘because it all cost so much’.  If you have collections and lots of things and enjoy them, that’s fantastic, but if they are weighing you down, that doesn’t sound like much fun!

It’s the same with clothes for me too.  I like to have just enough, because then I’m happy to update seasonally when required because I’ve worn a few things out.  It’s a far nicer feeling to shop when you need something than if you’re bored and know it won’t even fit into your overstuffed closet.  And having the opportunity to replenish your wardrobe on an as-needed basis means you are always tweaking your look and remaining current.

I love the saying ‘the way you do something is the way you do everything’, so issues you have with your closet (or eating, or money) are likely the exact same issues you have with your home possessions/decluttering, just showing up in a slightly different way.  It’s strange but true!

I know with large items such as sofas, dining suites, you’re likely to have them a long time; I think I’m more talking about smaller items – it’s nice to refresh your overall look.

If you wanted to describe your ideal décor look (and feel) in ten words or less, what would those words be?  Don’t think about them too much, just write down the first words that come to mind (please share in the comments!)

I’ve written a couple of other décor posts too, here and here, if you’re interested.

43 comments:

  1. What a delightful post, Fiona. I can't bear a place to be too cluttered and yet we have a lot of things in our home, much of which have been inherited (well, apart from table lamps and books and magazines!)
    But I love the pieces we have, I'm certainly not like the woman who would not part with things just because they were expensive - we've never bought expensive accessories, only 'good' furniture. Our main sofa is now over 30 years old but we had it reupholstered 14 years ago and it's still lovely (Colefax & Fowler fabric called Byron weave, in terracotta.)
    If I had to describe our style of decor, it's English Country House style (that's just four words, not even ten), the style developed by Nancy Lancaster, Sybil Colefax and John Fowler at Colefax & Fowler. It isn't a grand house, only an ordinary 1980s modern, but inside we have decorated in traditional style. Of course, English Country House style is just as contrived in many ways as, say, minimalism in the early noughties; Nancy Lancaster even used to dye new fabrics in tea to take the brand-newness off them, for example.
    But English Country House style, while being what many might refer to as 'traditional', must NOT be confused with 'old fashioned', for there IS a difference. I would hate to think our home looked old fashioned - you won't find plaster flying ducks on the wall, or crocheted knick-knacks, or filly do-dahs, or old 3-piece suite (3-piece suites, sofa and two matching chairs, are death to style - they emerged in the 1930s and should now be put to death once and for all!) but vases of flowers, books, magazines, pretty ceramics, cushions, and paintings. I would not like our home to look like a hotel, even a boutique hotel - I would find that too impersonal - but I do like to keep some surfaces close to chairs and sofas free so that there is space for cups and saucers and books.

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    1. I've seen photos of our home and it is lovely Margaret - very English country house style. I love the thought of tea-dying but have never done it myself.

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  2. Two words describe my style, Pottery Barn. Not that the items come from there, but I do get inspiration from their pages. Much of what they show fits well in my tiny 1920's bungalow. I will occasionally use their catalogue to get an idea and then comb Target and Home Depot for a look-alike.

    I have found that warm, rich colors with pale gold and beige walls suit our style. Leather, wood and glass add a bit of masculinity, and since four men lived in this house, it needed to reflect their presence also.

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    1. I love that you have a retail store as your style description, Kristien! I have a few stores on my 'chic mentors' list because I love they way they decorate their retail space.

      I agree about the men thing, but even when I was a single girl my interiors style wasn't so frilly. I have enough frills inside my mind, so I like a simply decorated home :)

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  3. Hi Fiona,

    My ten words are:

    Calm
    Tranquil
    Zen
    Clean
    Neat
    Airy
    Breathing room
    Minimalist
    Chic
    Cool

    Knowing what colors I like to surround myself with at home and having the discipline to stick to what I know I like, rather than what caught my fancies randomly, are crucial to creating an authentically me home!

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  4. Fiona, I love you! :-) You're a great inspiration! Thank you so much for your work!

    My ideal décor... I have two favorite types. One is minimalist, sunlit, modern. The other is dark, sensual, cluttered with beautiful things. I can't choose! :-)

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    1. GalaktioNova, I am sure you will combine your two sides to create a unique and beautiful space :)

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  5. I also love what I call "earthy" colors. Colors that you can't explain easily like 'its not gray, and its not green". There are so many "colors" like that to choose from that aren't really "color" but much nicer that white walls. Then, throwing in maybe burgundy in a throw pillow on the couch. I also love a rustic look. (not way over the top country with "fresh eggs" signs etc). Does that make sense?

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    1. I love those colours two - and our sofas are grey-green (putty?). Haha, the fresh egg sign, no I don't have one of those either, even though I love the rustic country style.

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  6. Hi Fiona, Hmm, in ten words or less, huh? How about two words: Natural and neutral! I like natural materials, such as, pottery, glass, metals, woods, stone, and so on. Also, most of our decor is neutral in color as well, with bits of color through accessories, like pillows. My wardrobe probably matches my home. If I stood in the center of our living room, you might not be able to see me - ha ha!

    D.

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    1. Love it, D! Natural and neutral. I am giggling that you will blend into your surroundings, I might too.

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  7. Hi Fiona- love the photo of your bedroom- so calm and peaceful. Words that describe my style: classic, cozy, sentimental, traditional, calm, airy, and "me." Everyone says my home is a true reflection of me! I have white walls, dark wood antiques (from my grandmother), landscape oil paintings (from my grandfather), lots of family photos in silver frames, blue and white porcelain, colorful rugs, fresh flowers always, my beloved dog's bed, and as much sunlight as possible. I dislike clutter but love to have piles of books on an occasional chair or stacked under a table.

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    1. Your home sounds lovely, Danielle. I love blue and white porcelain too, and isn't it amazing how it fits into so many different styles? A dog's bed and sunlight, those are two fantastic essentials. And books, me too.

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  8. "The way you do something is the way you do everything." Love this!

    I'd chose neutral, serene, classic, and feminine for my home. I like off-white for my walls and cream or camel for big furniture pieces. I love the look of classic rooms and then I'll add a pretty lamp, vase, mirror, etc for a personal touch. I think my decor style is very reminiscent of my clothing style.

    I love rooms that seem "clean" too, meaning simple lines and clear surfaces. Too much furniture crammed into a room, too many frilly details, or things laying about not put away in a drawer or cabinet makes me feel anxious.

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    1. Oooh, feminine, that's a lovely word to use for home style, and in the style you say - clean and simple - most excellent.

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  9. Cozy, warm, soothing, natural, log cabin rusticity, clutter-free, minimalist.

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  10. I like comfy, clean, things with patina rather than brand new, and interesting

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    1. Same here, Pammie! I actually had 'comfortable' in my list of home essence words but I think I crossed it out because it sounded not that sexy. But I like comfy too. And patina, such a fan.

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  11. Hi Fiona, these 2 phrases hit the spot for me:"I like to have just enough, because then I’m happy to update seasonally when required because I’ve worn a few things out. It’s a far nicer feeling to shop when you need something than if you’re bored and know it won’t even fit into your overstuffed closet. And having the opportunity to replenish your wardrobe on an as-needed basis means you are always tweaking your look and remaining current.




    I love the saying ‘the way you do something is the way you do everything’, so issues you have with your closet (or eating, or money) are likely the exact same issues you have with your home possessions/decluttering, just showing up in a slightly different way. It’s strange but true!" I'm new to decluttering and am learning as I go along (I was never taught to do this) but my question is: How do you decide when clothes are too worn out to be worn. So far I have decluttered a house (it was my late parent's one) and I now feel that I can breath and move around there much better. I'm now slowly decluttering my clothes - especially ones that I don't feel good in. Also thank you so much for a wonderful and very informative blog.

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    1. 'How do you decide when clothes are too worn out to be worn?'

      It will probably be a different level with different people, but for me it is when I start wondering 'is this good enough to wear today'. Sometimes you can just tell, but it's when the line is close that it is a hard call. Perhaps when you feel self-conscious when you are out in that item?

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  12. Hi Fiona, reading your post inspired me to take a good look around at home today and appreciate it - thank you for writing this :-) I have a few different styles I like, but given the many places I've moved to (I can't remember how many flats/houses I've lived in) - I now enjoy a lot of different things and find different ways to incorporate my style into my surroundings. The rest of the time I figure I can experience different decor on visits to friends' homes, cafes, our occasional trips away, etc. :-)

    My husband built our house before we met, so a lot of it is him and his stuff, and I realise now as I write this our home reflects a lot of his qualities. It's warm, earthy, artistic, colourful and practical. It's not large, but I am amazed at how much it holds. The BBQ has lasted well over 10 years and performs excellently. I am in my own ways quite minimalistic so some parts of the kitchen (e.g. the pantry) shocked me when I first moved in, but we are slowly learning to enjoy making changes together. He built me shelves and places to hang my clothes and put in a desk for me, and I added in my own elements - a nice pen holder, a luxurious candle (this bit was inspired by you :-)), one momento from Paris and one from our last trip to Thailand. One thing I am certainly learning (and gaining inspiration from you too) is to enjoy the feminine things in life, like using a nice moisturiser, keeping my wardrobe concise and decluttered, and being OK with spending a bit more on things I value and cutting back on others that are not so necessary.

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    1. Yay for inspiration, Melanie, I'm glad about that. And yay for enjoying being feminine and doing little things for your softer side.

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  13. Hello Fiona....... My ideal home is
    Beautiful (well, at least to me!)
    Peaceful
    Calm
    Beachy
    Luxurious
    Clean
    Organized
    Elegant
    Playful (I think can be both!)
    and above all, filled with Laughter! ❤️
    Thank you for this "exercise".

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    1. I definitely agree that elegant and playful can go beautifully together :)

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  14. Having just found your blog this post interested me as I am 'winterising' my small English home. My words would for this season be warm, cosy, tidy, classic, calming, comfortable, hospitable. It's amazing how changing and adding different cushions etc can change the ambience. I'm preparing to snuggle down ready for our cold, wet winters that we endure in Northern England. Luckily we do get the odd bright frosty days as well to lighten our souls.

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  15. Retro
    Vintage
    Warm
    Colour
    Glitzy
    Homey
    Comfy
    Happy
    Functional
    Personal

    The thing I love most about my home is that it isn't styled in a distinct way. I just buy what I love and I mix it all together.

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    1. I so agree with you Mara, about gathering together everything you love to make 'your' look.

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  16. classic/quality/comfortable/authentic/sentimental/family/cheerful/elegant/unfussy/practical
    I don't think that elegant and practical are at odds; in fact they work hand in hand. Something may be elegant but impractical (say, a sofa upholstered in a fine white fabric) is either going to be off-limits or soon ruined--which isn't elegant (and not using it isn't elegant either). I do have a white sofa, but it has easy-to-wash slipcovers.

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    1. I think exactly the same way! If I like something enough to considering buying it, I always have to look at the practicalities including use, wear, cleaning etc.

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  17. Hi Fiona! I like a bit more color than you, but otherwise my bedroom looks quite a bit like yours. Our bed has a solid-color quilted coverlet (navy blue) with ivory damask-patterned sheets(like your coverlet). The toss pillow is ivory with a large embroidered blue/green/amber/brown butterfly. Our dresser displays a few photos in silver frames and a pothos plant in a blue and white porcelain cache pot. In one corner is a comfy dark-toned wicker chair with a navy cushion, a table for books, and a lamp. Outside the window is a view of sky and trees, which makes me happy. That's it! Comfy, warm, uncluttered, blue and white, clean lines, touches of nature, books. I'd say that describes my style.

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    1. Your room sounds very peaceful and calming, Karen :)

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  18. Did one of those online quizzes recently and apparently I'm a "Modern Traditionalist" - which I think does sum up my style. What I have noticed is that the colours that I wear tend to be the colours that I decorate with - lots of neutrals in the black, white, grey range with pops of colours in red, turquoise (and a little blue & pink). My ten words would be:
    .Calming
    .Comfortable
    .Clean
    .Cosy
    .Tidy
    .Interesting
    .Library like
    .Textural
    .Welcoming
    Guests always seem to like my style and I do seem to be the entertaining hub - and since they always seem to love to longer I assume that they really do feel comfortable and enjoy the space as much as I do.
    If I was ever to do a wholesale change for whatever reason I think I would gravitate back to the blues & whites (with pops of lilac, yellow & pink) that I used to favour. More of an English Country look - but even though the palette might change I would hope that the overall style and feel would remain the same.

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    1. Love your words and your thoughts, Margie - thank you for sharing :)

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  19. Wonderful post! I really enjoyed it!

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  20. Soft, comfortable, cozy, nurturing, clean, warm, traditional, elegant, beautiful . . . dark wood furniture and floors and creamy white fabrics and carpet, lots of vintage china and books and candles. A fire in the fireplace. Fresh flowers.
    No clutter!!
    Great post, Fiona. xo Deborah

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    1. Beautiful, Deborah. All the photos you share on your blog confirm this - your style is gorgeous :)

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  21. Your point about keeping the home simple and streamlined in order to update is brilliant. Keep it simple...but significant. :)

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    1. Thank you Amy, it works with everything too - home decor, your wardrobe, even food in the fridge!

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  22. It's interesting that once we pulled up our carpet and decided to stain the concrete sub floors a whole new style evolved for me. The best part is all of our furniture and most decor type items worked as well with a few new tweaks and addition. I keep decor minimal as well and avoid buying too many knick knacks otherwise things feel cluttered to me. My style is: Cozy, eclectic, rustic modern, warm, peaceful, urban and chic!

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Merci for your comment. Wishing you a chic day!

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