styled living simply achieved by Jacqueline deMontravel
Experiencing a decor crisis? A challenging space that craves more than a house plant and sweet picture of the seashore? Add art and accessorize, which is a dependable prescription to any design dilemma. Overlooked areas can bedevil the most accomplished designers, which is why enlisting dependable accents can guarantee a designed home.
In the “calm room” an interplay of accessories and art are stitched together to create a playful theme of color and comfort.
The Laguna Beach home I fell for was retro. Though not from the cool glimmer of a disco ball or vivid Pucci print, it was an artifact proving that mustard yellow and linoleum floors were once design darlings. The challenge in transforming a Brady Bunch beach house from its 70’s grooviness to the present began with freshening up the walls with gallons of white paint. To further update the space, green floors were ripped away and replaced with a light shade of maple. Once dated elements were removed the rooms glowed, putting to proper use its walls of windows and Pacific Coast sunlight.
A change of paint color, flooring and an attention to accents and furnishings update a space.
While making decor alterations to the home may not seem as simple as adding jewelry to an outfit, the process is refreshingly similar. Begin with a basic scheme that relates to your personal style and embellish. Design with a modern palette that you can live with. I am a believer in using white as your canvas and accentuate with color. Consider your scheme, budget, and source the accents that will support your direction. A worthwhile expense was to reupholster the bristly green bench fabric with a lighter color in a current print, providing interest and comfort, and updates the space.
A wood burning fireplace is a sought after vintage piece though its original coloring has a lot to be desired. Embrace what you have and adjust your scheme so the installation blends.
An expertly styled vignette is not a daunting compilation of luxurious items only mastered by stylists in skinny pants. Walk through your home and details for a curated display abound. Use personal belongings as props for an artistic setting since they were sourced by you, acquired and kept because they convey your stylistic language. Pull in other elements to help build your visual, like baked goods or personal memorabilia, and you’ll achieve a grouping that’s second to none.
Creating a styled vignette will add interest to everyday items.
Meghan Markle may wear couture when she attends baptisms and travels on private trains, but her innate style is actually affordable. So how can the budget-conscious commoner tap into her style? Look to dependable classics, clothing made well with structured tailoring, and you’ve mastered the Markle effect. A style that nicely segues to the autumn season for its clean and monochromatic composition.
Love Gun ankle fray jeans favored by Markle. Photo credit: Mother.
You have to have the reflexes of an expert gamer to snatch royal accessories as they appear on social media because, most likely, you’ll hit the site with a sold out notice. Don’t fret as the web hosts countless options. Simply browse Markle’s favorite brands and accessories, you may just beat Meghan to the shopping cart by expertly navigating her signature Duchess styles.
