I've heard it said that we should decorate our homes with items we truly love.
That practice can show up in some interesting ways...
Have you ever purchased an item at an antique store or sale, trundled it home,
and then discovered that you already have the same item, or a very similar one?
This is a perfect example of selecting items that we love
based on the 'inner compass' that drives our own personal design style.
We do tend to gravitate toward the same colors, patterns, motifs, and items...
even when we don't actually realize we are doing it!
Recently, I purchased an antique Aubusson needlepoint rug at an estate sale
even though I already had three at home in my armoire...
So, since there was no room in the armoire to add a fourth rug ...
I was looking around for a place to display the newest member of my collection.
My eyes fell on a 'blank canvas' of sorts: the back of a sofa.
I draped the rug over the back of the sofa,
and was pleased by the unexpected addition of color and pattern to the family room.
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Each time I walked by, I would look at the rug
and smile at the impact it made on the room...and on me!
After a few days, I realized just why I was so drawn to that particular piece:
It perfectly coordinates with one of my designs!
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| Stag Floral Plaque |
The same color palette, floral motifs, and arching branches appear in both pieces,
and the overall effect is peaceful and calming.
A perfect match!
I was delighted by this discovery, and decided to look at my objects of desire anew.
Let's take a look at that armoire again:
You can see a repetition of colors, patterns, and motifs
all represented in the items I have collected over a lifetime,
including images of flora and fauna, soft geometric patterns, and neutral backgrounds.
Clearly, I love deep burgundies, soft pinks, sage greens, and flowers!
My own design preferences have led me to create a personal palette
that fills my home and reflects my deepest pleasures.
It also drives my selection of imagery for my product lines.
Why not take a look into your armoires and cupboards today,
and take inventory of the wonderful expression of your own style that you find there?
Then take some of those treasured items out, and decorate with them...
so that you can enjoy what you love every day!
Beautifully Yours,
~ Robin
