Unique Perspective

Designer Margaret D. Jones offers her insight on rooms that highlight cultural accents.

Walk by your own drum. be true to yourself in everything, and you'll not tire of your surroundings. They will bring comfort. Your home will become your story."

So speaks Birmingham designer and art gallery and accessories shop owner Margaret Jones. Her philosophy, though, is perhaps easier said than done. With trends for the home in a constant state of evolution, how do we integrate new ideas with the looks we love?

"I like trends to a certain point, but they will change," Margaret explains. "It's the permanent furnishings with natural elements that enhance, while allowing details to stimulate." She approaches her design projects and at-home decorating from a different perspective. Margaret stays informed of the latest styles, but she pauses to contemplate before following them.

Known for her skill in blending a serene neutral base of whites and earth tones with stimulating details, textures, and patterns, Margaret puts those techniques into practice in her own home. Here she shares ideas on how to successfully incorporate different textures, colors, and a variety of cultural accent pieces and accessories to create an inviting and intriguing space.

Neutrals Create Impact

Color is important, but neutrals in the home are equally popular in any season, providing an aura of down-to-earth relaxation. Margaret suggests, "If the interior has existing elements that are predominately neutral, such as walls, floors, furniture, and counter-tops, don't be afraid to introduce diversity in accent pieces, such as draperies, rugs, art, and other items, for significant color impact. When mixed with accent furnishings that reflect your cultural interests, rich, textured neutrals help avoid a monotonous look in a space."

Of all neutrals, white is still the most widely used. Other choices to consider include hues ranging from steel gray to black. For accents, add warm shades of beige, tans, and browns or cool shades of green and blue.

Find your comfort level with this useful decorating formula: White plus other neutrals plus primary accents. In both traditional and contemporary settings, consider using versatile hues, such as terra-cotta, gold tones, browns, sage, and violet.

Integrating Accent Pieces

"Personally, I enjoy blending woods and metallic accents because, in my home, I have a lot of ethnic art pieces and animal-print fabrics in an array of tones and textures that exude a comfortable, cultural feel," Margaret says.

"Remember to buy something when you travel," she advises. "Pick up things that appeal to you, and incorporate them into your surroundings."

MAJELLA CHUBE HAMILTON

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Aug 2004
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