Where to start?

Where do I start? This is a common question I come across with my Clients. They have a clean slate. A completely blank canvas with which to work, but where do they start?

Most of our clients already have their beautifully decorated homes in New Jersey, or Toronto, but they are craving something new, something different. They get started and by the time they finish they have a satellite home from the home they already have. They look virtually the same! The reason why is because they know what has worked in the past, so if they stay with those same principles the end result will be the same. This is where I come in, to help them blend their tastes into a fresh new feel while lets face it, making the hubby happy too.

In order to do this, we start finding some inspirational pieces. Pieces on the other end of the spectrum than what they already have. If your home is full of Neutrals at home, then we go Color all the way! If you prefer things more on the subtle side, then we go with subtle color, but nevertheless color. Splashes of color, is a great way to be brave while still “playing it safe”. I’ve created color pallets in homes here and my clients say, “Wow, we never would have done these colors, can you select the colors for our home in the Texas?” My personal philosophy is “Life is too short, to not live it in color.”

I like to have my clients look at catalogs and websites to show me what they find fun and inviting. Whether this is a piece of artwork, a comforter, or a rug, these are starting points on which to build for their new look.

With just one piece, it answers so many other questions. What color paint? What entourage of fabrics will pull the best colors? Lighting, short squatty lamp or tall lean lamp? You can build the look off an entire home off one piece of artwork!

It’s important to remain organized, and not get carried away. By focusing on one room at time, you slowly build the foundation on which your design concept will stand. Designing something new and different can be a little scary because people are afraid to make mistakes. By being in Costa Rica, just one mistake can be expensive! So, it’s easy to want to play it safe and stick with the neutrals, and what you know and what you are used to. But by stepping away from the “safe”, is an adventure in itself and every time you visit your “home away from home”, it will feel like a retreat where you can replenish your spirit, relax, and be proud of the new entirely different atmosphere you have created.

Please check back with us for new ideas and other
decorating tips.