Modern Furniture, Is It Your Thing?

As you undoubtedly know by now, modern designer furniture does not fit into my design scheme but that's not to say that I don't think its sleek lines and color choices are not intriguing.

I like this Baroque Low Table that is available in seven color options, one for any color scheme you are working within:



In the right space, I love this table and actually all of the elements in this design. I think what I really like about modern designer furniture is the simplicity of it. Generally modern design elements carry clean lines, usually with some circular element thrown in for interest and movement. Also, the color scheme used in modern design is either monochromatic, different shades of the same color, usually neutrals, or black and white with some pop of red or other vibrant color.

Now, I need to buy a second home so I can employ some modern design elements while still keeping my Country French style intact.

First Things First - Determine Your Likes

Everyone has a good idea of what they like and what they don't. As you wander around the mall, the boutique shops and into your family, friends and acquaintances homes you've for sure had various reactions based on your sense of style.

If you are not sure what your style is, don't run right out and hire an interior designer or decorator, first try this. Browse through various catalogs and magazines and tear out pages of things that appeal to you, like fabric, pattern, furniture, room layouts, etc. Compile all of the cut out material into a folder or a binder and keep it for your reference. As you decide to design a specific area in your home, pull out the folder and flip through it. You will be surprised how many ideas will come to you as you do this. This collection process may save you the money you would spend on assistance and if it doesn't then it will give your decorator a place to start.

Decorating is a process and can be overwhelming but my advice is to take it slow and have fun with it. You will be amazed at what you can create on your own.

What A Home Should Have

Architectural Digest has an interesting series on its site that highlights "10 Things Every Home Should Have." The article is a slideshow of 10 pictures with quotes from 10 different designers about the topic. Most of the designers suggest a comfy chair with good light is a must (I agree). Then Mariette Himes Gomez suggests that you need "a place for everything and everything in its place...."

That got me thinking, I try really hard to keep my home up and looking like a picture perfect home. But, I never can quite get there because we actually live in our home. Have you ever wondered if people really live like the pictures we see in such magazines as Architectural Digest, Veranda, etc.? And if so, how do they keep it that way? Extremely organized, trained relatives, hired help? I'd really like to know because no matter how hard I try there is always something that does not have a proper place or is not in its proper place if it has one.

I think I just found myself another research project....