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Using Prints and Patterns - The More
the Merrier!
Well, almost. In years past, using more than one print in a room was considered taboo, but not
anymore.
In today's free wheeling world of decorating, mixing prints and patterns is more the rule than the exception. In many traditional rooms, a single print is still used
lavishly; for upholstery, drapery and even as a wall cover. But today's fashion-conscious homeowners want to mix and
combine both patterns and colors with a truly uninhibited hand.
If this approach is a new one for you, we will start with a very simple pattern, perhaps in a single color, with a white or ecru background. It's easy to add additional patterns by keeping to the same color scheme. We can consider combining a large scale floral print with a plaid, stripe or
check. An instantaneous decorator look will appear. Or how about adding a paisley pattern, perennially popular, with a simple geometric pattern? We can find them all in our fabulous Tapestria collection.
The thing to remember is that there must be some relationship in color, pattern or theme between
desired prints. Naturally the color relationship is the easiest to
establish. A general rule of thumb is to follow the 60-30-10 rule:
The main pattern will be used the most (60); the secondary pattern half as much(30); and
the third (10), or splash pattern is used sparingly.
I suggest that we find a print you absolutely love, you should consider using it on the flattest surface
possible. . . perhaps as a bedspread or sofa upholstery. If this print is gathered into a window treatment, you'll tend to diffuse the design that attracted you in the first
place. By all means, have fun when you play with prints and patterns. Look in magazines, read books, collect swatches. Your new room will be much easier to design than you
think.
Is Your Window Well-Dressed?
Windows can and should be the focal point of your room. But before deciding on your own special treatment, consider the room's size. You'll want to be sure your new design is in scale with the entire room. In a large room with small windows, the treatment should extend beyond the window perhaps even cover
an entire wall to make it proportionate to the room.
Conversely, in a small room, keep your treatment simple in style to make your room seem even larger. Follow these guides for decorating success, and your certain to have a lovely
room.
Let There Be Light!
By nature, lighting serves two purposes in your home: functional and decorative. Successful lighting
in your home calls for the correct balance of general, task
and decorative lighting. When planning for the functional needs,
consider the activities that typically take place in your room.
There are three basic types of color in light: warm, white and cool.
- Warm light
- tends to soften or outline your room. If your walls are painted
a warm color, then warm light would flatter your room's overall color tone. Incandescent bulbs tend to help you obtain a warmer color tone in your room.
- White light
- shows colors at their truest. Most white light bulbs actually tend to cast your room in a slightly warm light as well. Halogen bulbs give you the brightest of white light.
- Cool light
- can add a sense of open space and dignity to your plan. Fluorescent bulbs will give you the cool look you desire. When properly used,
this makes the walls and furnishings appear more distant, and
enhance objects more distinctly.
Window Treatments = Beauty Treatments
Nothing can add more beauty and drama to your room than beautifully designed window treatments. If you need to create a focal point in your room, a creatively designed window treatment is the answer. Windows are truly a decorating opportunity for setting your room's mood and
style.
Whether your chose to make your windows a focal point or a subtle yet dramatic background, remember that each window in your home serves a functional purpose. Privacy is key to a window treatment's design, as well as providing light and air.
The simplest of treatments, and a very popular trend, are sheer draperies. Sheers give your window a soft glow by filtering light into
the room. Today's sheers come in hundreds of designs and patterns... from prints to tone on tones... even washed silks. You'll be able to add beauty and grace to your home by incorporating them into your window treatment design.
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