Many women became decorating consultants, overcame shyness, and blossomed into personal and spiritual growth as a result of Mary Crowley. Today, that company is no longer with us, but has been bought out by Celebrating Home.
I used to be a Decorating Consultant with Home Interiors & Gifts for about 10 years before they were bought out about 8 years or so ago. I was in many homes, giving women decorating tips. I talked about the value of a clean, orderly home, and how making the home beautiful greatly influences the atmosphere that is felt by husbands, children and guests. You as a homemaker have more serenity if at least one room in the home is tastefully decorated.
I showed women how to use what they already had and rearrange it so it looks better. I also helped them find new things to add to their decorating. I'd like to offer you some tips to perhaps give you some ideas.
The outside entrance to your home should be decorated with a wreath on the door, year 'round, or something on the porch next to the door. I used to teach women how to make wreaths with the florals I sold. Perhaps you can take a class on making them, or just buy them ready-made. It doesn't have to be elaborate; even some grapevine coiled together with a big colorful bow added would suit your taste. Your decorating style may be country, shabby chic, romantic (Victorian), or contemporary. Decorate according to who you are.
Every room should have a focal point, such as a piece of artwork or mirror above the fireplace or on a wall. Such a focal point is called a "grouping", and included sconces, swags of florals or greenery, candles or figurines arranged symmetrically or asymmetrically. Symmetrical just means you equally space a sconce on either side of the artwork or mirror. You can also place sconces asymmetricaly by placing them on one side of the artwork, one above the other, slightly to the right or left. A good rule of thumb is to space the sconces not more than a generous hand-width away from the frame. Floral swags/greenery above the artwork should touch the frame. Choose accessories such as candles, that bring out a color you like in the artwork; use a figurine or display a coordinating item that is in the artwork.
One important thing to remember is not to hang your artwork or mirror too high on the wall. This is a common mistake. The best height is for the bottom of the frame to be 8-10 inches above the back of a couch or chair. If the artwork doesn't have furniture below it, hang the center of the picture at your eye level and put a shelf a hand-width below it to "anchor" the piece visually. Decorate the shelf by laying a floral swag on it, or with greenery, a candle and/or figurine. Place the candle/figurine to the left side of the shelf. Elevate one of the accent pieces on a decorative box to create visual interest.
When decorating seasonally, it's not necessary to decorate every room in the home. It's enough to do the front door, foyer, dining room table, and main bathroom.
Greenery brings the freshness of the outdoors inside. Candles add ambience and scent to the home. Smells can trigger good memories and give feelings of warmth and romance. Using accent lighting such as lamps and candles at night creates a warm, enjoyable atmosphere. If you have allergies, burn unscented or soy candles.
There are many stores from which to purchase decorating items. But like I always told the women at home shows I held, "Where are you going to find someone who'll tell you how to use the piece in your home, or decorate properly?" That's why women loved Home Interiors so much. They gained help and confidence in their decorating. I've heard stories of lives being changed for the better because the wife began to take an interest in how her home looked. Some women became very successful and made Home Interiors their career.
If you wish to have the advantage of such help, I'm sure you can find a consultant to come to your home, even on a personal appointment (I did those, too), at http://www.celebratinghome.com/ . This is not intended to be an ad for Celebrating Home, and I don't hold parties anymore. (I quit the business in June of 2009). You may also wish to have a "party" at your home and invite your friends. Attending decorating parties with other women builds community and is good for our society. It's part of hospitality, too, and can be a lot of fun.
Happy decorating!
Copyright © 2011 Elaine Beachy
No comments:
Post a Comment