The Darker Side of Things

I admit it, I am drawn to the light and airy. A client recently told me that I am a "water" person: drawn to colours that are paler, watery, pastel, etc. She hit the nail on the head. I don't discriminate though! I can go into someone's home who decorates in darker or brighter colours and absolutely love them. However, in my own home, I need to be surrounded by light. It lifts my mood and puts a spring in my step.

I wasn't always this way. A decade ago, I was more into the darker shades. I found them warm and cozy and they felt more "homey" to me. My preference probably reflected the popular styles of the time. Country still meant plaids and ginghams and primitive accessories. Certainly, some had already made the switch and "shabby chic" was coming on board in a big way. the essence of Modern Country and vintage style were on the cusp of becoming mainstream style influences. I, however, although taking large steps forward towards lightening things up, was probably still 50% "dark".

The new approach to "dark" is via earth tones. Taupes, browns, olive shades, reds, dark yellows, and earthy orange hues are definitely in vogue. In the opinion of my afore-mentioned client, people drawn to these shades are "earthy people". These shades make them feel grounded in their homes. I think it all goes back to wanting comfort and coziness. It's not sophisticated in some circles to aim for cozy. Perhaps some feel cozy equates itself with cute, which is one of my least favorite descriptives for someone's home. Cute is acceptable for little kid's rooms, but most of us would prefer a more grown-up compliment for the rest of our home.

As for cozy, I think it conjures up good emotions. A cozy house is one where people feel at home, can sink into a chair and enjoy good conversation. I think this should be the aim for every home. Frankly, I feel that those that look like they are ready for a photo shoot just aren't as welcoming. I think it can be easier to achieve cozy when decorating with earth tones. The key is to temper the darkness with light-heartedness. Introduce objects or art that is not too formal. Formality can be comfortable, but the overall feel of the room should be welcoming. After all, what's the point of decorating a home to be too perfect. Too much perfection can make your guests ill at ease...and I think we all want to avoid that. So go ahead...enjoy the darker, more earthy shades. And please, if I come to visit, let me plop into a comfy chair and revel in the coziness and sophistication that comes with this style...and if you ever need some "water", come on over to my home - barefeet are always welcome!!!

For the love of cupcakes...

There is something about cupcakes. The obvious...they are delicious and the perfect size with a cup of tea. But I am referring to the simple beauty of a lone cupcake. I know I might seem strange, but I have lost sleep about one particular cupcake I spied this winter. Sophie attended a birthday party for a little playmate and I arrived early to pick her up and chat with the other mums. Lo and behold, in the family room of this lovely home was a huge oil painting of a cupcake done in pastel colours!! My jaw dropped and my heart raced...I had to have that painting. I nabbed the mother of the birthday girl and in a squeaky voice croaked, "Where did you get that?" She went on to tell me that she got it at a charity auction and that a student artist painted it. I was dying to know how much one had to pay for such a gem, but my manners kicked in.

Now I wonder in silence/envy/agony ((I'm a bit dramatic I know). I have been racking my brain as to where I can find my own amateur artist (as this is probably more in my budget) who will paint me such a treasure. I can see the finished product in my mind! Where I would hang such a painting, I do not know. Maybe in my dining area which is part of my pale blue kitchen. Perhaps visitors would find it ridiculous to see such an image, but for some reason that cupcake lives in my mind, taunting me. And no amount of indulging in the real deal will satisfy this sweet craving!!

To theme...or not to theme

I like themes...hoever, I tiptoe around them for fear of them exploding. What I mean by this is that themes can grow exponentially. They can become like a disease and become out of control. Take children's rooms for instance. Little Sally wants a Barbie room. We've all had requests like this. Barbie bedding, Barbie (cringe) wallpaper border, Barbie lamp, curtains, etc, etc. Some of us are giving enough to cave into themes like that. I, however, would be inclined to inject tasteful touches of Barbie (like framed Barbie outfits in shadowbox frames, Barbie sheets, a Barbie nightlight). I confess to loving certain themes if they suit my tastes. If my sons were still young enough there is no doubt in my mind they would be staring at a vintage cowboy- themed bedroom! Yes, some themes are downright acceptable, but where do we, as individuals, draw the line?

Several houses ago, I was in love with pineapples as a decorating symbol, not theme. I had a garden flag with one on it, and a pineapple door knocker which I loved, and some other nods to this symbol of welcome. Sadly, I let them go as a nearby house adopted pineapples as well, so it was time for me to "move on". Stars, too, have always been a recurring theme in my homes. I always place one in each front window along with a single electric candle light. I can't seem to give the lights or stars up despite them becoming so popular. Stars are popular because they are so good. As long as your home doesn't look like a constellation display, then all is well. As for me, in the summer I replace the stars in the window with starfish...talk about a departure!!!

I would have to say that my new recurring "theme" involves our feathered friends. I love the colour robin's egg blue, nests with eggs, porcelain monochromatic birds (no parrots here!), and I always stop in my tracks when I see such delicate beauties. I try to limit the number of such treasures, but I probably have at least one nod to this collection in each of my rooms. Is it a theme and is it o.k.? I think so and I hope so. I guess it boils down to whether we each love our own "themes" and whether they can be simply discovered throughout our homes or are screaming out "look at me!"

My next attempt at "tasteful theming" will be this summer when I transform my mantle into a beachy display of seaside treasures. You can be the judge of whether I have kept it tasteful or over the top!! Coming soon...