Where to look for inspiration when beginning a design of an interior space can be tricky. Is it simply having a certain design style to turn? Absolutely, finding clarity in your "style" will make navigating the endless options of the world of interior design a bit less time consuming, but is that enough to achieve a well designed, unique space? I truly believe the best inspirations come from the extraordinary everyday things that stop us in our tracks and make us take notice. Using a piece you love in your design is a terrific place to start.
I recently had a client who brought me a large roll of decorative art paper. She saw it, loved it immediately, and purchased it with no plan on what to actually do with it, and had been holding onto it for years. She handed it over to me, and asked that I find a use for it. With not much more direction other than she'd love to see it used in the new design we were working on for her master suite.
She had recently downsized into a new home and was having difficulty getting her master whipped into suite status. It was during our initial consultation I noticed her home appeared cluttered with oversized, very traditional furnishings and accents. A little "old lady" vibe to be quite honest. She had always considered her style to be traditional, but in my opinion I was looking at a very clear style disconnect. She always presented herself thoughtfully. Shoes quick to receive a compliment, classic well-pressed clothing, and tastefully layered, unique accessories. It was taking the lead on this beautiful paper she provided as well as her more contemporary attire that I started introducing her to a selection of handcrafted and custom design choices. This is where I saw her interior design style start to emerge.
With our newly discovered direction for her master suite, I started placing unexpected pairings of one of a kind, art driven pieces throughout her space. Light fixtures with hand-forged metal accents, a custom, chiseled edge, concrete, master bath vanity top, a beautifully, hand-painted dresser, and a large, abstract area rug that is truly a piece of art. These types of selections really laid the groundwork for the overall feel of her carefully curate master suite.
Now, what to do with those rolls of paper... armed with the knowledge of her love for all things unique, I had the idea to give one of her less than glamorous items a little face-lift. A four panel, floral print room divider, straight out of the 80's seemed the perfect canvas to adhere her treasured Amate Bark Paper. The screen was something she was hesitant to let go of when originally discussing her layout, because she liked the weight it added to the corner of her master in her designated sitting area. The screen really did helped define the space as well as soften that corner of her room. Now beautifully covered in the creamy, textured paper the screen is a saved possession as well as a large, one of a kind piece art.
My advice, look for inspiration in what you're drawn to naturally and what brings a smile your way. If you find that you're having trouble understanding how to make it all work, or where to even begin... Eclectic Current is here to help. Schedule your design consultation today, and look for the upcoming Blog on this exquisite master suite.
P.S. Thank you Sarah Yarborough Dearbaugh for the use of Studio 276 in Cedar Mountain, the art juju you passed along to me, and for making this transformation destination chalk full of laughs!
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