I’m a Pinterest fan.  Not quite an addict, but certainly an active user.  For those of you unfamiliar with Pinterest, it’s a site that serves as a virtual bulletin board – or lots of bulletin boards.  Instead of bookmarking a site you may want to return to, you can “pin” a photo from the site to one of your bulletin boards.  Pinterest automatically creates a link back to the site!  I know, this is starting to sound like an ad, but really it’s an acknowledgement of the popularity and accessibility of a great online tool.

Are you thinking of remodeling, repainting, building a new home, or just wanting to change a wall color?  Pinterest is another resource for ideas.  And the best part is that as you browse all the wonderful online sources in your search for the right color, the right chair, or whatever, each possibility can be pinned to your bulletin board so you don’t forget it.  As you read the articles here on YDH and a photo speaks to you for any reason, pin it.  Share it on your bulletin board.  Cindy and I are always very conscientious and careful to give any and all photo credits we can whenever we use a photo.  We do the same on our Pinterest boards (you can click through on the Pinterest banner on the sidebar to see our boards) and encourage you to do the same.  Write a little note about why you like the room, the color, the art – but also be a courteous pinner and include where the photo is from.

Photo via Pinterest, originally from AHappyHeart.com

5 Decor Mantras

Today’s post is sparked by something I found on Pinterest.  These five decorating mantras are from the book House of Havoc by Marni Jameson, published in 2011.  Her mantras are in italics, the rest are just my thoughts.  Feel free to add your thoughts in the comments section below.

1.  “The closer something is to your body, the better it should be.  This argues for fine sheets and cheap drapes.”   I’ve never heard this particular design statement before, but can appreciate its intent.  Things that you touch or use or smell every day should reflect the best quality you can afford.  Sheets are definitely a good example but it would also apply to the fabric on the sofa or favorite chair.  If you spend a lot of time seated at an office chair, make it comfortable and cushiony.  If you adore scented candles, don’t skimp – buy ones that burn a long time and keep their fragrance all the way through.  Treat yourself to the best with the things you use frequently.

Particularly in the bedroom, surrounding yourself with luscious fabrics will make you feel pampered and special.

2.  “Surround yourself with quality not clutter.  Buy it once, buy it right.”  To me, this connects to the first mantra.  My addition to this mantra would be “buy the best you can afford”, particularly with the major furniture purchases.  However, for most of us who want to have some of the trendy accessories or colors in our home, I recommend choosing accessory pieces that look good but are affordable.  Unlike a sofa or bed, you won’t need or want them to last for 10 or 20 years.

Choosing timeless classic furnishings by known designers, like the Saarinen table and tulip chairs above, are investments that will retain their value.  Select trendy accessories like the ones below that can be switched out in a few years when your taste changes (or you’re just tired of them).

These vases are inexpensive and perfect for reinforcing a color theme in your room as well as adding a touch of whimsy.

3.  “Every room needs something living:  a plant, flowers, a pet.”  Cindy and I have discussed this point before in our articles.  Fresh flowers or plants make such an impact in a room by adding life to the space.  Bring anything from nature in your home to connect your space to nature:  branches, seashells, or even rocks or crystals.

This somewhat stark room is enlivened by the use of fresh fruit and flowers on the table.  Below, fresh flowers add a welcoming touch to an entry.

4.  “Honor the acts of daily living.  If it’s a habit, make it beautiful.”  What activities do you engage in on a regular basis?  Do you enjoy cooking?  Since you spend a lot of time in the kitchen, furnish it beautifully, right down to the smallest detail.  Do enjoy crafts and making handmade things?  Find beautiful storage solutions for your supplies and create a space that encourages your creativity – even if it’s just a corner in a room.  Do you exercise at home every day?  Make your exercise corner (or room, if you’re lucky enough to have that much space) a place that keeps you moving and inspired to exercise.

If you spend a lot of time in a home office or art room, make it enticing.  Make it inviting.  Make it conducive to your time spent there and you’ll enjoy it more.

Even a tiny kitchen should reflect your style, especially if you spend lots of time there.

5.  ”Life should sparkle.  Every house needs bling.”  Bling is shiny.  Bling is bright and reflective.  Adding a touch of bling could be as simple as featuring a pretty mirror, a shiny metal bowl filled with fruit (something living), a silver or brass lamp base, chrome legs on a table, or a candelabra with a glossy painted finish.  To be most effective, make sure your shiny, bright things are clean so they actually do sparkle.

Bling abounds in this corner from the sequined pillow to the shiny bowls on the table.  All the bling is nicely grounded by the contrast with strong wood pieces.  Below, this formal entry vignette has it’s share of bling.  The mirror framed in shiny gold, bright crystal lamps, even the shiny gold touches on the bench legs, all contribute to a subtle but effective collection of bling.

My Mantra Addition

6.  Art doesn’t have to match the room or other art in the room.  Buy art you like, in colors and styles that you like.  It’s much more important to have the right size art for a wall than to have the colors in the art match your sofa.  Mix traditional oil paintings with modern abstract collages, gold gilt frames with sleek black frames – it’s important to match the frame to the art, NOT to the room.  If you like the art, you’ll like it in the room.

A collection of disparate types of images and frames over my mantel shows how art can be collected just because you like it (or make it).   Below, enjoy your expanding art collection by just adding it onto a wall in a progression of your interest.  Mix frames, color and subject for a wildly eclectic look.

What’s Your Favorite Mantra?

Do you have a design rule or two that you live by, that influence what you buy for your home?  Share in the comments below – we all benefit from the sharing of knowledge and opinions.

If you’re struggling with color selection for your home, we have a couple of ways we can help.  We offer a 100 page e-book for only $14.95 that walks you through each step in choosing color and how to make your home cohesive using color (see the button at the top of the sidebar).  If you’d rather have some personalized help, we offer a color consultation for a single room for $30 – about the cost of a gallon of paint.  After you fill out a quick and easy questionnaire, we’ll guide you by offering specific color recommendations for your space.  Check out all our consultation options by clicking here.