Redesigning a Room ~ Lessons Learned
Every creative endeavor, over time will reveal a theme, a pattern will develop. If we pay attention, we can also gain wisdom.
The two predominate themes of this room, turned out to be Water and Texture/Patterns (how they play off of one another). I did NOT plan it, this is just the way turned out.
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(Above: Room with summer blanket, painting by Sally Martin and a cherished Indian textile).
When you become aware, you will also most likely hold on to a gift. A whisper that can advise you where to go next.
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(Above: Bookshelves purchased at Goodwill, repainted, added legs and fabric to the backboard).

Once a woman spoke at my mother's Garden Club meeting, about the process of judging flower shows. She handed out a paper, which included this criteria listed above
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I'm NOT into rules but, these particular design principals and elements, have guided me ever since.
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(Above: Ottoman from Goodwill, reupholstered. Made pleated skirt for the round table out of linen surrounded with Indian textile detail).
I've come to realized, over time how the same principals apply to all things, creative.
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(Above: Some cherished things in favorite bowl, sitting next to beautiful Dior book, a gift from Noelle. They sit upon a trunk which I repainted and raised by adding legs to a base).

Whether creating a painting....
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(One of Bridget's paintings happily entered my life).

or arranging flowers, designing a room, a house, a handbag, designing clothing, setting a beautiful table, or a fabulous looking plate of food, the elements of good design, remain the same.
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(Other thing that I like: Moroccan slippers, a gift from my oldest friend Leslie and an antique parasol from France, a gift from Melanie.)
What makes one thing "work" and another "not" are all based on these laws and principals above.
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(Above: My little girl bed, turned into a divan, I also made pillows, on the wall hangs family photos, a assemblage by my friend Mary and my neglected guitar).
But usually we are unaware of why we like something. Why it works.
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(Above: An old lamp base serves as a sea shell stand).
When I didn't know what to do next............
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(Above: This pillow was created to tie all of
the elements of the room together. It is a focal point and has a
combination of all of the colors, used in the room).

I turned inward and leaned upon the "Elements of design", (which now reside in my heart).
(Above: A reflection of light).
Creativity is a mental challenge, even a battle at times, but if you keep experimenting, you WILL finally win the battle!
*********(Above: The fan disappeared into the ceiling, after painting it white (Noelle's idea). Also, painting the chain white and adding the dark read little felt beads added a touch of whimsy).

Fixing mistakes ........................
(Above: Detail of the new divan. I actually took the legs off and raise the bed higher with cinder blocks covered with matching fabric).

can actually turn into some of the most creative ideas and outcomes ever!
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(Detail from bed-skirt, above).
When I look at this room now, it's hard to believe what it looked like before......
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(Above: Luggage rack~turned into side table, covered the lampshade with a linen skirt, Goodwill).
My goal was to add light, make the room feel comfortable, happy and unique. It took months to complete, yet it was worth the effort!! I realize my room isn't for everyone! No, it is for my husband and me.
Now that it is FINALLY finished, (well almost), it brings tremendous joy, one that I can't fully describe.
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(Above: The valances were made out of old cruel bedspreads).
I have learned about myself.
Thank you for coming along on the journey!!
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Before:
During:


After:
~Fini~