After
Décor
The Power of One Item
For me, it always starts with one item. That single piece, whether artwork, fabric, or tile becomes the spark that ignites the entire design story of a home.
How to Start a Remodel or Change Up Décor
I always begin with one thing. That one thing could be a piece of fabric, a pillow, or artwork. It serves as the foundation for my design vision.
Photos can be a great source of inspiration, but I sometimes find them overwhelming. Instead, I use them as a reference to communicate my ideas to contractors and vendors, ensuring my vision is understood in print form.
Breaking Through “Décor Block”
There are moments when I experience what I call “décor block”—a creative standstill where I can’t seem to find the right starting point. This happened when I wanted to refresh my living room with color but felt stuck.
While browsing Ethan Allen, I came across a stunning piece of artwork. That was my moment of clarity. I used the colors in the artwork as the foundation for designing a living room, dining room, and a small office space.
Later, another visit to Ethan Allen led me to a plaid fabric upholstered chair. It immediately clicked; I could reupholster two existing chairs with this fabric in a family room. That single decision transformed the entire space, seamlessly extending into the kitchen and nook.
Remodeling a Condo
For a condo remodel, I faced a similar creative block. The showers, made of brown travertine, were staying, but everything else was being updated. I envisioned light oak cabinets, grainy flooring, white walls, and new lighting fixtures, but something felt incomplete.
While browsing Floor & Décor, I found a tile with white, brown, and grey veining. Suddenly, the design fell into place. This tile tied in perfectly with the travertine showers, breaking my décor block. The final choices included:
- White cabinets
- White walls
- Brass and black pulls and fixtures
- White granite with subtle grey veining
- A black sink
- A grey backsplash