In all facets of daily life, restrictions are put in place for a reason. But when it comes to being at home, here are some rules that were made to be broken
For much of my school life, I wore a uniform daily. I finished all of my homework on time, studied for my tests and participated in class. Now that I’m in graduate school, I’m finding that following the rules pays off here, too, just as it did in my younger days.
But, I’m also finding that sometimes exceptions can be made, and rules can be broken. Life does not have to be bound by rules, and the home is included in that mindset. If you’re feeling a bit rebellious, consider breaking these rules:
• Stick to one type of wood. On the contrary, various finishes and textures can give a room character. Sticking to the same exact color and finish can get monotone and bland, so feel free to mix it up. The same goes for metals. If you want to mix brass and silver, feel free. The trick is to balance the materials. Strive for several items in each finish to achieve cohesiveness. • Only use light colors in a small space. Although it sounds counterintuitive, painting a wall a dark color can add depth to a space. While you are at it, throw in some big furniture, just be wary of the space you are using. Yes, bulky furniture takes up more room in a small space, but if you use tall furniture, you can make the area feel bigger without sacrificing square footage.
• Don’t mix styles or prints. If you Yes, bulky furniture takes up more room in a small space, but if you use tall furniture, you can make the area feel bigger without sacrificing square footage.
• Don’t mix styles or prints. If you want to mix rustic and modern, go right ahead. While decor trends come and go with time, mixing styles together will make yours last longer. As for prints, you can certainly mix them and still pull off a great look. Just make sure that the items complement one another. For example, try looking for prints with similar color palettes or shapes.
• Keep counters clear. Actually, you can keep your knick-knacks on display without giving the room a cluttered feel. How? Group similar items together, whether by style or by color, and make sure you do it with a purpose. Pieces scattered about the home will create a cluttered mess, but items strategically placed can draw the eye and spark conversations.
Have a comment or question for Joanne? Email thefixisinhawaii@gmail.com.