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August 2010
Focus on the good and appreciate everything
Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground. - Theodore Roosevelt
A good tip: buy local art. Here's a painting from Jason Bryant that was installed in a living room we staged. Buying art means supporting an artist and investing in the community. If you want a low-key way to find art you love, contact my friend Jessica Porter (jessica@raandeskgallery.com) who owns Raandesk Gallery...she'll be happy to help!
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Why is it that I'm always looking to the future instead of focusing on the good stuff right in from of my face? For example, I'll find myself daydreaming about a fabric swatch and imagining how fabulous my sofa will look when it's finally (someday!) reupholstered instead of simply appreciating the beauty of the sofa exactly as it is. Or I find myself planning the School of Speed Decorating (which launches next month!) with a mix of excitement — this is going to rock! and fear — what if no one shows up?! Well here's the deal, the future will take care of itself. It always does. Obviously.
Now is the time to focus on the beauty of this day, this moment right now. Sometimes I get so involved in the big picture stuff I neglect the details that make life delicious. LIttle things matter like, what size shoe does my husband wear? How many steps did my son take today? The full moon rising above the pine trees.
Labor Day's right around the corner so instead of whining about summer flying past I'm going to simply enjoy today. Look around. What do you see? Pick out at least five things you love about your home, your family, your life.
Wanted to share that last week a TV crew filmed a townhouse we staged which will air next month. Here are three Speed Decorating tips from the show:
It doesn't have to be matchy-matchy. I love mixing things up so a room has personality and style. In the master bedroom we skipped the matching nightstands and went for two different nightstands. They may be different shapes and material, but because they're the same height, it worked gorgeously!
Bring nature inside. In the living room we stacked two stumps to make an impromptu side table. In the foyer we stuck some fig branches in metal vessel to bring drama and style into the room. Another favorite is to use birch poles for curtain rods.
Classic is... classic. It always pays to invest in classic items. If you can, think of one nice item you'd like to invest in this year. If you don't have the budget this year, no biggie, make a plan, save and buy it. You'll thank yourself for this. For example I recommend the Sarrinen marble top table. It's something that will always be in style. Or if you want a sofa, the Francis Knoll shape is a perfect choice.
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