Decor /ˈdeɪkɔː,ˈdɛkɔː/ noun 1. the furnishing and decoration of a room.
The above mentioned is the dictionary meaning of decor, but if you just type decor in google the search results will bombard you with thousands and thousands of websites giving you tips, ideas and stuff to fill your home and promises to make your home look straight out of a glossy interior magazine.
What is more that I can say or offer other than what is already said or written about. Well the fact is; everyone will always have something different to offer. I feel that each home has a story, and each story is different, and decorating your home aesthetically is the best way to make the story interesting.
When I think of decor the first images that come to my mind are that of my mom, decorating my childhood home. Be it, when we were living in a crammed government quarter or later on when we moved to the home of our dreams, my mom's idea of decor was different and elegant all the way. Back then, Trivandrum or Thiruvananthapuram as it is now, did not have much to offer in terms of decor as it has now. But, she would still scout handicraft exhibitions or regular shops and always find something unique, a bed sheet or may be a planter, which was elegant and would have multiple uses and blended well with her style and with our home. She always had a knack of moving things around the room, a tuck here and an addition there and voila the room will look elegant and beautiful.
With limited resources in hand, I always saw mom create nooks and corners, which were always warm and welcoming. On any day there will be flowers on the side tables, lovely greens peeking thru the window sills. Hanging lights and angels guarding over you on bed stands. Bookshelves, always does the dual purpose of being books shelves and also served as a place for tucking in curios. Even the kitchen window had decorative stuff arranged aesthetically.
So later on when I started the process of make a house to home, I found myself following my mom's footsteps. At different city, far away from her, but still so near to her, as most of the time I replicated what she used to do. My point on decor always is ..... where ever you stay.... be it a paying guest facility, be it a rented apartment, be it your own dream home.... make it yours, give it your touch, your style. Removing clutter and keeping it clean is one thing; decorating is another.
Your decorating style should resonate with you. Just because something looked fabulous at someones home does not mean it would look good at your place. Add stuff to your home only after identifying your style and deliberately looking around for what you want to add. Let me give you some basic rules to keep in mind when buying stuff for your home. Add or delete the below rules as per your choice.
Furniture : - always go for classic designs, just because something is in trend does not mean you should buy it. Understand your families requirements, take measurements. Look, scout and search through as many shops as you can. Sit, sleep over the stuff that you have seen. Show the pics to friends who can give you an independent opinion. Then take a decision.
Soft furnishings :- add curtains and pillows and throws, but always add only as much you can keep clean. Think about the color of your furniture and your room before you buy a curtain or a bed sheet. Rather than thinking that this bed sheet or duvet looks nice, think if it will complement your room.
Decor Items :- add decor items as per your taste. Not because you saw it else where. Once you understand your taste always keep an eye out for stuff that can compliment your decor or enhance the look that you already have. Also, only keep as many decor items as you can clean. Above all keep them dust free.
Plants:- Plants are always the best way to up the decor game in any room. But keeping plants comes with its own set of responsibilities. Before you buy a plant keep in mind the light conditions you have at your place, also find out the watering and lighting requirements of the plants that you intend to add to your collection.
DIY --- The best way to add your touch and your style to any space is by DIY, you can always create unique and quirky elements. Try your hand on stitching or embroidery, or may be painting or sculpting. I used to be at awe in the way my mom used to stitch and embroider pillow cases and bed sheets. The advantage was she had stuff that no one else had and will ever have....
There are many many ways to decorate your home. I usually change the decor in my home as per the season, the pillow covers, bed sheets and even the decor items change as per season. But for many others keeping things simple will be the way to go, and I say that is okay too.
Somethings to keep in mind when adding decor stuff--- do not crowd any surface or room. The eye needs something to rest on before looking else where. Create a focal point in every room, this can be anything from a painting to a plant to a water feature. But, don't forget that the underlying theme in every room should be the same, so that each room feels like a chapter out of the same story.
Always leave an element of surprise, a bowl of seeds you collected, a quirky artifact or a quaint looking bookshelf. Anything. This adds curiosity and makes the eye look around for more, just like in a story.
This is the first in the series of decor. The reason I am starting with the basics is that there are many of you out there who would be starting a fresh or might be considering a complete revamp. The above mentioned points are the basic building blocks of home decor.
We will do a series on decor with each room covered. Starting from the front room all the way to washrooms and utility cupboards and will also try and include ideas on how to style and where to procure items from.
Till then keep in mind.......... your home decor...... it should resonate with you, if it resonates with you and your style it will never look out of place; instead it will look warm and inviting.
Happy Musings
Tina.
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