I’m picking up where I left off in the last Elements of Style, secrets to decorating like a pro- part 1, where I introduced you to my Soulscapes and shared six secrets with you on how to translate an inspirational item into your own individual style.
As a quick recap, I create Soulscapes as inspirational eye candy which sometimes reflect how I feel or the environment I’m in. I use Soulscapes as inspirational images to design a room around. I’m sharing my design process and decorating secrets with you so you can do it for yourself or begin to think about how you can incorporate the feel of your own inspirational item into your home.
I break down how to take an idea, a piece of inspiration, be it a seashell, vintage toy, wine label, or leaf and translate your inspiration into multiple interpretations which can be incorporated into a decorated room.
Inspiration + Interpretation = Individual Style
As promised we are continuing to use our Inspirational bird from my Unfurl + Awaken Collective, I’ve decided to call her Petunia since we’ve been hanging out together so much. Last time our girl, Petunia inspired a posh, glam-y living room Design Soulution but today we are going to use her to create a more family friendly lifestyle with Mini Design Solution No. 2.
Secrets to decorating like a pro-tip 1: use unusual shapes
The slightly egg shape and finish colors of the side table with its three “bird-like” legs refer to the inspirational bird photograph.
Secrets to decorating like a pro-tip 2: choose function over form
The dark gray sectional sofa was chosen because the of the inspirational birds wing colors and for its durability with a young family. The sofa fabric is easy to clean and its color hides stains.
Secrets to decorating like a pro-tip 3: know what finishes to use where
The distressed finish on the solid round coffee table is mimetic of tree bark, but smooth, and is very child-friendly with no sharp corners. The distressed finish is best suited to family friendly environments that will not have to worry about coasters, scratches or spills.
Secrets to decorating like a pro-tip 4: repeat motifs
The upholstered pouf is my favorite selection for this room. The whimsical geometric pattern reminds me of the Inspirational bird’s tail feathers and the fabric pattern is lively and similar in color to Petunia’s markings. These little poufs are an excellent way to add extra seating without taking up too much space, or to use to put your feet up. They are light-weight and easy to move around.
Secrets to decorating like a pro-tip 5: texture, texture, texture
We learned about texture in Mini Design Solution No. 1, but it bears repeating. Professional designers know how to successfully incorporate multiple textures into a single space. I used the soft, fluffy, ivory throw to add additional texture to the arm of the sofa. The long fringe invites you to play with it and the multi colors in the fringe tie-in to the colors of the pouf as well as the inspirational bird.
Secrets to decorating like a pro-tip 6: add whimsy
We have also learned about adding whimsy to a room. Its the perfect opportunity to personalize your space and not to take things too seriously. The three throw pillows are used as a color unifier with the bird, pouf, and throw.
They help to distribute the amber, mint green, and ivory colors around the room and brighten up the sectional.
The whimsical “gather” pillow is a play on the idiom, “birds of a feather (family) flock together.” The pillow also aids in welcoming guest to your home (nest) and family gathering spot.
Here is the Mini Design Soulution No. 2 Family Friendly Style board along with links to the wonderful items selected for this space.
pillow 1//pillow2//pillow3//sectional//side table//pouf//coffee table//throw
Were you surprised this Mini Design Soulution No. 2 could be translated into a completely different feel and look from Mini Design Soulution No. 1 using the same inspirational item?
Stay tuned I’m going to use our little inspirational bird, Petunia, one more time to translate another space for you.
Make sure you don’t miss Secrets to decorating like a pro-Part 3 by signing up to receive the next installment of Ellements of Style here.
