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Do you find yourself looking at the big box furniture store catalogs and see that they all have a common theme?  Does it make you feel like your space is out of date?  If you like those styles but worry that when the next issue comes out you will want something different, if so…we need to talk.

I too get caught up in the “new designs” and love the freshness and current up to date looks.  The important thing is to not to over-do it, you don’t want to turn your living room into page 74 of the new fall catalog.  The best advice I can give you is to look at your room in layers.  When discussing furniture and accessories, the largest pieces; which are usually the more expensive items is the bottom layer.  These items should be more classic in style; still expressing your creative self.  For example if you are a traditional styled person, a rolled arm sofa, or a classic leg table are the ways to go.  If you fancy a more contemporary expression, steer toward the straight lined sofas with sleeker fabrics, or rugs that are not too wild and dictate the room.  There are many more layers that will allow you to “design”.

The next layer is the accent furniture like chairs and occasional tables. This is where can get more playful as these are a bit easier to replace in 10 years or so, or when the cycle may lend itself to updating.  A pattern on a fabric that is nice to the touch and has a color that unexplainably feels right or a coffee table made out of a material that is classic but goes with the times is a good choice.

Accessories such as lighting, mirrors, and “tchotchkes “are the place to have some fun. This is where the new crystal lamp would make sense or a zebra stripped pillow may fit in.  It adds the final touch to the space, and if you decide to replace it in a few years it will not break the bank and it doesn’t owe you anything.

So, like a long term relationship, make sure you can live with that sofa in good times and bad, but when it comes to the candle sticks on the fireplace; is just a few dates…

Eenie meanie miney moe, pick a sofa by the.... Wait, how do I pick a sofa?

Great question, and this is exactly how many of my clients feel as they walk in the door for our first meeting at Pearl Furniture. "I don't know if these pieces will go together", or "what colors should I work with" , or "will this go out of style in the next 5 minutes".

There are a few suggestions that I recommend to my clients when starting the design process. A great question to ask your self is, "does this piece of furniture make me feel comfortable"?  I like to surround myself with things that make me feel good.  If you pick a bunch if things that you like, and put them all in front you, you will start to see a synergy between them and the ones that don't work will stick out like a sore thumb.

Open your closet, what color is represented most?  If you wear a lot of black, gray and brown, chances are you will feel most comfortable in a neutral environment.  You don't have to be locked into these colors, but these are the colors that you would want to use for the large, more expensive items that will be the foundation of your room.  You can still spice up the room with accents that are less costly, and easier to replace and update as your tastes change.

When considering certain styles, think about what stores you like to shop in, or what catalogs grab your interest most.  This can include shoe stores, clothing stores, and other shopping venues.  Do these stores share a certain design element?  For example, if you like the Apple stores sexy, sleek technology with the white lacquer and silver sheen; chances are you are drawn to a more contemporary interior.  In contrast if you love the feeling when you walk into a ralph lauren store, with the dark wood cladded walls, rustic leathers and woods, and rich colors; you may want to create an interior that lends itself more to these styles.

Remember, creating a new environment is a chance for self expression and although it can be extremely stressful or overwhelming; try to see it as an exciting opportunity to transform your home into your true happy place.