The King’s House invited me to speak at their September Third Thusday event, and it turned out to be a lot of fun! To those of you who made time in your hectic schedules to come by, I enjoyed meeting you and thank you for coming! The event happened to coincide with the distribution of Birmingham Home and Garden’s 10 year anniversary issue in which I was interviewed about timeless design. So, I thought it would be natural to talk about what is “timeless design” and what it means to me.
Sometimes I am surprised by how difficult it is to consolidate my thoughts on things that are so inherent……like my philosophy on “timeless design!” Preparing to talk about my approach to an audience really challenged me to evaluate my process and desired results. The process was not only a good excercise, but was actually fairly inspiring for me! Do you ever take time to write down your thoughts or why you make the decisions that you do? Try it, I’ll bet you discover something new about yourself!
While I believe that good design is timeless, what is timeless to individuals is very personal. Your home should be full of what inspires you and what you love, not what someone else tells you “should like” because it is a current trend. Timeless design is not necessarily traditional design, although that is my tendency. A Barcelona chair can be just as timeless as a Hepplewhite chair. It is more about avoiding a house full of trendy pieces that will become dated and collecting things that you love that will have longevity. There is no substitute for quality and authenticity. Antiques, flowers, natural fiber fabrics, rugs, etc. Buy things that you will love for years to come, and the economics of it will work out it the longrun!
When I start a project with a client we look at many images, some are interiors and some not. People often have a hard time verbalizing their design preferences but they can easily identify with images and discuss what they like about them. This process helps me to really see what they are drawn to. One of the best things about the design blog community, and now Pinterest is that it is becoming easier to search for and find all kinds of images that speak to you. You don’t have to be a globe-trotter to find inspiration anymore.
Here are three principles that I use when I am working on a space, (and look for future posts to break these down a little more with some examples).
1. Combine old and new: One way I make homes feel approachable is by using comfortable upholstery along side of antique furniture. Authentic antiques bring a sense of history with them and it is so much more relaxing to have your feet pulled up under you in a club chair with a down cushion than having to sit up straight in every chair in the house! So, I bring in the special antique pieces to create the tone of the space and fill in with some comfortable seating.
2. Layer thoughtfully: Antique furniture from various periods layered on top of one of a kind old rugs with some special lamps and a few objects and accessories that a client has collected over time mixed together creates depth and personality. Add in subtle textures and patterns on upholstery, window treatments and pillows and it will warm up the space in a subtle way. The combination of these items creeate a soft comfortable space with surprises that reveal themselves over time.
3. Classic details without the fuss: I often add dressmakers details to my pillows, window treatments, and upholstery designs. When the small details are executed with precision it takes that object to another level. Just like a dash of a single spice can elevate the flavor of a dish.
What do you find timeless in your own home? Where do you go for inspiration?
I want to especially thank Kings House Orientals and Antiques for hosting this event. I had a wonderful time and so enjoyed getting to meet some new faces!
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Thank you Kelley for sharing my Hidden List of must-have items while I am on the go! If you have not read “The Hidden List”, Kelley is always on the hunt for “hidden” items and shares the coolest things that she finds.
