Designer for stars tells how to create your dream home - Part 2

Ebony, Oct, 2003 by Cecil N. Hayes

READY to have some fun? Creating your dream home or apartment is all about determining your personal style. It's a process of discovery that we began in the last issue of EBONY with Step 1. So pull out those magazine articles on decorating you've been accumulating. The creative process continues with:

STEP 2 - Creating A "Look Book"

A "Look Book" is a photo album of rooms and decorative items that appeal to you. It's your road map to style and helps you gain insight into your likes and dislikes. Creating a "look book" is all about discovering your tastes - not your parents', your sister's or your best friend's. It's taking the time to dream. Ultimately, it's about defining your personal "look" and creating a space you've only just begun to imagine.

To begin, start by looking though magazines for pictures of completed rooms that appeal to you. Tear out the pictures you like and put them aside for further study. You will find that each room has a visual flow that connects one item to the next. You will also notice that the room has prominent feature elements such as fabric, art, a furniture item, a window treatment, and occasionally a color or an architectural feature.

Periodically, survey your inspiration photos. If you've selected a photo showing a space that is much larger than your space, take it out of your "Look Book." It's OK to dream, but you should stay grounded in reality.

Finally, remember that the charm and good taste of a room has nothing to do with its size.

Detail items are an important part of your "Look Book." Make certain that you include pictures of any items you are considering using, including photos of items you already own.

Your book should be organized around four items:

1. Your floor plan should be on page 1. (See September 2003 issue for instructions.)

2. Compositional photos.

3. Detail items organized by room.

4. Notes from research shopping.

Research, Research, Research

The final step is to start making research shopping trips to educate yourself. There are three good reasons not to rush to make a purchase:

1. Decorating is not a trend. Your home look could last a lifetime or a long time.

2. You're unfamiliar with the market. The average person has not shopped for furnishings in years.

3. Cost. The cost to decorate an average home is approximately 20-25 percent of its real estate value. Your home is an investment and is worthy of your best efforts.

When doing research shopping, remember to note sizes and pertinent information on your photos. It's also important to stick to your research plan. DON'T be tempted by aggressive salespeople and/or great sales. Remember, it's not a great buy if it doesn't fit into the final plan.

STEP 3--Mixing Styles And Periods

It is perfectly permissible to mix styles and periods. I--for one--just love the mixed-style look, which is generally preferred by one of two types of people: Collectors who mix items in a room because of the memories or attachments they represent, and diverse personalities who enjoy combining items for purely visual appeal. Don't let fear keep you from mixing styles. You can do it if you follow a single rule: Keep it simple.

Here are my tips on marrying collections with other decorative items:

1. Floors and walls should have no pattern.

2. Fabric should be predominantly a solid color. (There might be one or two accent prints.)

3. Buy plain wood furniture or fully upholstered seating.

4. Use good artificial lighting to brighten the room and accent special items.

Here are my tips for composing an eclectic space:

* 75-85 percent of the room should reflect your primary period or style.

* 15-25 percent may be of a different period or style. (End or accent tables, light fixtures, framed mirrors, small side chairs, and wall consoles are the perfect accent items for your eclectic space.

STEP 4--ALL THINGS BEING EQUAL

I have been in so many homes where the furniture layout didn't look balanced or where things just didn't add up. I have noticed coffee tables located so far from seating that they appeared to be on display. I have seen rooms crowded with so many items I felt I had to turn sideways to move about. I have seen walls so heavy with wall units or accessories and art that I felt with one touch it would bring the house down.

These are just a few common mistakes made by people who don't realize that Interior Design is a combination of art and science.

The science of interior design centers around one simple fact: The body must have space to walk, bend, reach, sit, pass and communicate.

Body space for dining

The body needs 2 feet per person to allow adequate elbowroom for dining. (For example: a 6foot table seats 8--3 on either side and 1 at each end.)

Dining room movement requires another important body measure. I call it push back and walk space. For this space you need at least 3 feet (enough room to push the chairs fully out and still walk behind them with ease). Please don't compromise here.

Body space for living