Achieve Design Bliss by Applying Wedding Rules—Something Old, Something New—to Home Decor.
Home is where the heart is. At least that’s how the saying goes. So it makes sense that for many people, reading design magazines and fantasizing about new decor can be as exciting as planning a wedding. On the other hand, the only thing more disappointing than finding out your gorgeous new spouse has developed a bad case of halitosis is realizing your gorgeous home looks doughty and dated.
To avoid such an unfortunate outcome, try applying the old wedding traditions— something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue—to your home. While adhering to these rules won’t guarantee you a happily ever after, they’ll definitely help you keep things interesting.
Something Old:
Don’t be afraid to mix old and new. Whether you choose a worn vintage dresser, a fine antique chest or a Lucite 70’s end table, adding vintage or antique pieces to a room will often give it an interesting tension. Look for an amazing furnishing or home accessory that has an interesting story to go along with its patina. Warning – when you see how cool it looks, you may find yourself trolling antique shops on the weekend.
North Shore sources:
Sea Grass Home
Winnetka
Arts 220
Winnetka
Antiquaire
Highland Park
Something New:
Adding something new to your home is a surefire way to push your place in a new direction, but that doesn’t mean consuming for the sake of consuming. There are a million ways to add new pieces without spending a lot of money. Try transferring items between rooms—a great way to freshen up both spaces. Reupholster your sofa or favorite chair. Or change out the rugs, picture frames or even the lampshades.
North Shore sources:
Toms Price
Skokie
Design Studio Furniture
Northbrook
Something Borrowed:
Why not? This underused idea’s a great way to keep your place fresh. Borrowing is a more economical and environmentally friendly alternative than the buy-to-try strategy, which often leaves basements cluttered and credit card bills maxed out. If you feel uncomfortable borrowing something outright, try swapping with a friend. Art, chairs and even small tables are easy to move and even easier to move back if they don’t work with your home’s style.
Sources:
Friends
Family
Neighbors
Something Blue:
OK, it doesn’t have to be blue, but as Julie Buckingham Edelmann told me recently, blue’s a great way to wipe the winter grays away. In fact, adding any new accent color (or replacing the one you have) will often completely change the look and feel of your room, and it’s far easier than changing furniture, painting or wallpapering. West Elm’s betting on yellow for spring 2010, but if that color scares you, choose your own spring color and punch things up with custom pillows and accessories.
North Shore sources:
Adesso
Highland Park
Lakeside Interiors
Evanston
Material Possessions
Winnetka
