My Answer To Friday’s Question Of The Day!!

Fridays Question of the day was basically asking how do we know when we are making a wise purchase for our homes? How do we know what will have longevity?

 

We have all been taught that if we buy  a classic piece it will have longevity because it has stood the test of time. That is all well and fine, but what if you don’t like any of the classics? Will it have longevity in your own life? I personally say No!!

I believe it is always good to study, and explore all different types of design. I think this is very important to do if you are just starting out in the creation of your home.

If you are only exposed to a small portion of design choices you will truly never be able to expand, and know what good design is. Always keep in mind that good design will be subjective. What one person love's, another person will find distasteful to their design aesthetics.

What was once the new kid on the block can quickly become the latest has-been!!

We as consumer’s, in this economy must make our purchases carefully. When working with my clients I always spent a great deal of time analyzing what they truly loved, not what they thought they should love because they had seen it in someone’s home, or in a magazine. I tried to get to the core of their design personality. Then and only then would I make a suggestion on a purchase for their home.

If I had to talk in generalities I would say we all should take a good look at our homes every 7-10 years to give it new life and freshen it up.This can be done with paint, and maybe some new accessories. Worn items should be replaced, and outdated items need to be re-purposed, or replaced.

I will make the suggestion that you keep your main pieces such as sofa’s and chairs in a neutral. This neutral does not necessarily mean beige, but it could be a color that you love, and have always loved in your home. A  color that can mix easily with the addition of different color and patterns over time can be a neutral no matter what the hue is. In my own home blues and greens can be my neutral. I have found these two colors go well with all the colors that I enjoy working with.

I recently helped a friend with her living room, and her neutral is a beautiful soft blue. Another client of mine loves red, and has loved this color her whole life, so red is her neutral. See how it works?

Study the classics, by reading  design books  and going to museums. Look at the silhouette of the pieces. Study the lines of the furniture. Keep those silhouettes in mind when you go shopping. Modern day manufactures will often use the classic lines to make our furniture pieces for today.

Bottom line is…….. If you love it, and have loved it for more than 5-6 years it can become your own personal classic. My best advice is to be honest with yourself about what you truly love and stick with it. Try not to let the marketplace, or a friend, or even a designer sway you. If you do become swayed, you will inevitably choose a piece of furniture that  will give you regrets within two years or less.

• Purchase what you love! 
• Purchase the best quality your can afford.
• Purchase your main pieces in a neutral.

Thank you to all of you who generously gave your opinions in the comments. I think all of your comments will truly help this reader!

“Enjoy the Process!” Of:

Discovering your own personal classics!!

Kathysue

Friday’s Question of The Day!?

Today’s question is one that I know we have all wanted to know the answer too……….


I see blogs that say “don’t fall for trends, go for classics.”  But just what is considered classic?  Who decides that?  How does something remain “timeless”; what is “timeless” in terms of interior design and home décor?


One blogger has said “brown sofas are out, done, done, done but gray is timeless.”  And just last week this same blogger said, don’t paint your walls shades of gray all over your house; mix it up.   Alrighty then.


And I believe the adage, choose what you love.  But falling in love with some “thing” can change, even with a big purchase, like a sofa.  So, knowing that, I can end up with ‘analysis paralysis”!


So now it is up to YOU my dear readers! Leave your answers in the comments. Remember we are a community of like minded people. This forum is open to everyone and it can help us all.

Let the answering begin……..

Remember to email any questions you would like addressed in a post on Fridays…

Email me at:

Goodlifeofdesign@yahoo.com

subject: Friday’s Question

It is NOT just Black and White to ME!!

I haven’t written a black and white post in a long time. I love the strong contrast of black and white. This combination always feels so sharp and timeless to me.


Black and white is a favorite of mine to use, even though I prefer a Spring pallet of colors. I like to add a touch of black and white in almost all of the rooms in my home.


Since I am so enamored with this wonderful combination I have quite a few images saved in my files, and on my board over at Pinterest.

Source: highstreetmarket.blogspot.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

This is actually an all time favorite image of mine. I would love to have an entry wide enough for a center hall table.

Source: None via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Any one that knows me, knows that I love, love black and white stripes.

Source: us.mc1618.mail.yahoo.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

The addition of the black trim on the curtains makes a perfect outline on the window treatment.

Source: charlotteromance.tumblr.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

In this room the form of black is not in the fabrics, but in the window frame, lantern, and the four poster bed. An all white room can become more grounded with the addition of black.

Source: splendidsass.blogspot.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

This is a great idea!! I love the look of the black wainscoting in the all white bathroom.

Source: thebookofsecrets.tumblr.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

I can not imagine having the luxury of a porch this size. I am sure it is on a beautiful old Southern home. The black and white striped shades really make a wonderful statement tying in with the painted checker board floor of the porch.

Source: nh-design.co.uk via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

What struck me as stunning in this image is not just the striped flooring , but check out the applied white moldings on the door. Love the center bulls eye and the shiny nickel door knob.

Source: dianasawicki.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

I wish I were brave enough to paint an entire room black. I find this stunning, cozy and inviting. Could you paint an entire room black?

Source: vintagerevivals.blogspot.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

How fun!! Black buttons and a striped back truly make a striking statement on this chair. It is all trimmed out in black, and the wood has been given a coat of glossy black paint. I am a lover of either totally flat black or gloss black when it comes to finishes in black.

Source: underspanishmoss.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Simple, classic, black!

Source: goodlifeofdesign.blogspot.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

This is actually a picture of my front porch. I told you I love black and white stripes. I am really excited to show you my backyard in a few weeks. I am waiting on a delivery. When it gets here I will do a post.

Source: homeremediesrx.blogspot.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

Talk about being practical with black and white. This is a darling mudroom entry.

Source: purplearea.blogspot.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

This is just gorgeous!

Source: traditionalhome.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

I don’t think my words can do this beauty justice!

Source: houzz.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

My favorite kind of floor, black and white diamond or checkerboard is a favorite look of mine.

This is actually a picture of my guest bathroom. The floor is Carrara marble with absolute black granite. I remember the day this floor was finished. I said, “ When I die just bury me in the tub!” I had waited over 25 years for this floor. Trust me dreams are worth waiting for! 

This is the entry floor that leads into the bathroom.

I told you! I have a thing for black and white!!

Just a touch of black in my green and white kitchen makes me happy.

Source: designismymuse.tumblr.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

I love this image, because it not only has my favorite black and white combo, but it also has blue and green, two other colors that I love to mix in my home decor. Notice how they painted the ceiling blue. I did this treatment in my guest room and it is so soothing to look up at the ceiling while laying in bed!

I hope you have enjoyed my little journey through black and white land?!!

I would like to leave you with one more black and white image. This is for all of you wonderful people that come back to read what I have to write week after week. You have made this journey a fantastic trip and I thank you from the bottom of my heart……….

Source: tinywhitedaisies.tumblr.com via Kathy Sue on Pinterest

“Enjoy the Process” Of:

Adding a little black and white to your lives!!

Kathysue