Sunny-day room

Lost people know that their surroundings influence emotions, but how many realize that they can also stir the spirit? Just like a ray of light, your environment can radiate a sense of joy, confidence, and warmth. With a mixture of simple elementsbright colors, interesting textures, and thoughtful design details-any room can emit energy and optimism.

The best recipe for creating a sunny-day room calls for practical ingredients that inspire and stimulate. The guestroom in this home in Great Falls, Virginia, is proof of that. Fresh and vibrant, it conveys positive vibes for the family's guests.

"The room has its own energy. Bringing all the pieces together wasn't difficult. The elements found us. When you know there's something that makes you feel good, you have to allow it to work," says homeowner Kristin Clark Taylor, a noted author and former public relations executive. "I have a sister who will only stay in this room when she visits. It's in such demand, our relatives and friends stake it out every time they come."

Furnishing Finds

First Kristin's husband, Lonnie, discovered a wicker-and-wood bed and tables with glass knobs at an estate sale. The furniture's interesting woven details softened the room, giving it a relaxed feel. Painted patterns on vertical wall panels provided direction for the other accent pieces.

Combining Color and Pattern

As she considered bed linens, wallpaper, and drapes, Kristin wanted to create balance by pairing strong colors with the striped wallpaper that visually enlarged the room. She chose similar floral designs in the bed linens, wall trim, and drapery fabric to echo the wall panels.

Decorative Effects

A floral arrangement above the bed serves as a focal point for the room. Kristin asked floral designer Julie Shanklin to create the botanical swag, which is made of dried flowers and fruit. Julie also mirrored elements of the wall panels in the arrangement's design and color.

Kristin then added the finishing touches, including accent lamps and decorative pillows along with ceramic pieces. In this vibrant room, awash with bright yellow, salmon, blue, green, and white, stresses from the outside world just fade away.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Sep 2002
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