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RISING WOMEN EXPERT
ADVICE...
How can I keep up with decorating trends? I am always afraid of
choosing something new for fear it goes out of style too soon.
There is no doubt that trends, whether in decorating or fashion or what have
you, come and go as fast as the seasons. Trying to keep up with every change
is impossible (who has that kind of time or money?), not to mention, totally
unnecessary. Your home does not have to look as if it leapt directly from
the pages of the latest decorating magazine to be in style. Decorating is
about discovering your own style, and how you can incorporate a balance of
the classics and the trends when expressing that style.
The best place to start is at the beginning. Just as with your wardrobe,
choose the basics first, and build around that. A great pair of black pants
can carry you for years. It’s the new top you choose to go with them that
keeps you looking hip. The same rules apply to your home. If you choose a
classic backdrop, and leave the trends to the accessories, it will be much
easier to keep your home looking current and stylish.
In this case, a “basic” would be your furniture. Sofas, chairs, dining
tables, etc., are generally big-ticket items, and not ones you want to
replace every year or so. With this in mind, it may not be a great idea to
buy a new couch in the latest hot colour of the season. You will probably
have to live with that couch for many years, and the last thing you want is
to be stuck with an expensive piece that screams it’s age. Instead of buying
a couch in a chartreuse green, try a neutral shade of fabric or a classic
brown leather. Add the hip colours to the room using pillows or throws, or
by painting one feature wall. Accent the room with new lighting and some fun
artwork. Suddenly, you’ve mixed-and-matched, and put together the perfect
“outfit” without having to buy a whole new wardrobe.
The most important thing to remember is that, regardless of the trends, you
have to like it. Just as you select clothing based on what looks good on
you, always keep that same perspective in decorating whenever you feel you
must choose between what’s “in” and what’s “you”.
By Vicky Blaine of Inner Space Home Styling. |
