Understated Charm

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

29 Sep 2006 04:30 AM

Some people go all out when it comes to decorating. Their homes are absolutely impeccable, and you'd swear they hired a top designer and spent a fortune to achieve the look. Some people simply have a gift for selecting the perfect items, perfect colors, and just the right accents. They can create a rich, inviting look that epitomizes good taste and charm, and they make it seem effortless.

Others have to work a little harder to make a fraction of the impact. Even if they know what they like, they aren't necessarily sure how to pull it all together. It can be difficult to translate images in our minds into real life spaces that work.

When it doubt, go understated. That's the best tip there is. Understated charm and elegance make any house feel like a well cared for and welcoming home. Don't be tempted to overdo it, simply because there are so many choices available or because keeping up with designers is so popular.

You can pull off a designer look without mimicking it too closely. Your home can look like it should be featured in a magazine, rather than looking exactly like one that is featured. Start with a warm color and go from there. Add only the necessary pieces at first, and then begin adding tasteful accents, accessories, and treatments. See how things fit into the space, and don't overpower it with items just because they are trendy.

Even if you want to do a designer knock off, try to make sure it reflects your own style as much as it reflects the designer's. If you look closely at a picture of a room you love, you'll likely note that despite finding the overall space fantastic, there are things you would have done differently. Take that lead and make those changes.

For me, designer rooms tend to feel a bit overdone. I don't like frou-frou. But, some of those designer rooms would be gorgeous with a good dose of "less is more." Just remember, keeping it simple and understated is key to classic good looks, and classic good looks are always in style.

Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger