People are always amazed when they come to my home and see all of my 'things'...my furniture, decorative accents and found objects that I've gathered over time...and how I've managed to put so much in my space and yet not make it feel cluttered or messy or (forgive me Grandma) 'old lady like'. You get what I'm saying , right??? It's hard to have a lot and showcase your treasures without those treasures starting to look like there's just way too much happening. Or worse yet, like your home is starting to look like a junk store. But I'm here to tell you (da-da-da-dahhhh!!! That's horns blowing ;)) that if done right, more can be just that...more. And more can be fun and exciting and quite lovely to have and enjoy in your home. Andhonestly, when done right, more is just a great way to enjoy all those lovely finds you have and help personalize your space better than ever!
Here's my thoughts (a.k.a. tips) on how to make more work and look it's best in your design...
Tip #1
Shop for Collections...
I happen to be drawn to certain things when I'm shopping, like old umbrellas with great handles... or aged, blackened mirrors... or tattered books that have been read over and over so much that their bindings are coming unhinged... and of course, my vintage painting collection of florals, landscapes and seascapes, all standing the test of time in their muted, soothing hues. These are the 'things' that make me smile and give me my happy fix. So shop for your happy fix and buy to create collections over time. This allows you to create interesting statements in your home and make impact with your happy fixes
Tip #2
Group like kinds together...
Whatever your 'fix' keep those collections together. Do not spread them out or let them dribble around your home. No dribbling allowed!!! Remember, there's strength in numbers...always! The impact will me more significant, your finds will now be a collection and more exciting for you and your guests to view and enjoy. And of course more personality to give to your space that will set it apart from your friends
Tip#3
Consider neutral backdrops...
The more your back drops are neutral, the less your accents have to compete with them. Always remember your home is like your wardrobe. Would you wear a patterned dress with a different patterned sweater and jacket and then layer that with a series of necklaces in different types of metal or gemstones...I certainly hope not. You would look like a hot mess and likely give a headache to anyone who had to witness that. Same goes for your home. Let your accents compliment your backdrops, not compete with them and the best way to do that is to keep those backdrops calm and often neutral. Bonus tip: neutral doesn't necessarily mean colorless, just calm and soothing. There are neutrals in every color on the color wheel.
Tip#4
Break up collections with larger statements...
When displaying a collection, especially when that collection's shown on a larger surface area like a coffee table, mantle or dresser, it's vital to break it up and bring some calm to your grouping by adding larger statement pieces to help break up the potential clutter effect. Most people react the same way to seeing lots of little things...it's too much for our eyes to handle. So we need to calm our eyes by calming how we display our things. This will also help to set your collection apart and let it stand on its own, if you will. The balance of the large statement piece(s) and small collections will create collection harmony in your space and their contrast of scale will allow them both to showcase beautifully without competing with one another.