Sexy Interiors

Even though it is cold, grey and pretty much just blah outside, sexy interiors are on my brain as well as other designers. Now let me just stop you before you get certain images in your head, I am not talking about a particular room from "Pulp Fiction" here. The idea of sexy is definitely going to vary from person to person. Why just this morning I found an amazing paint color for a special client and my exact words to him were "it's sexy". It isn't red. It isn't black. It is blue, actually "tranquil blue", from Benjamin Moore. Sexy isn't an outfit or furnishings and accessories, it's an attitude, a way of life. Sexy to me is comfortable. The "tranquil blue" fits my client, and his surf prints.

As I said, I am not the only one with sexy interiors on the brain. In the The Last Words section of the Dec/Jan issue of "House Beautiful", two other designers shared their thoughts on what is ahead for interior decor in 2010. Milly de Cabrol said, "People want to feel cozy and sexy." "I see dreamlike, very sensual, non-cluttered rooms..." as stated by Myra Hoefer. I couldn't agree more with both.

There are many different styles and ideas of what is sexy. I think 60's Hollywood glam is sexy with velvet, mirrors, glass, a shag rug, some gilded pieces, but that's not an everyday sexy. I think beachy relaxed is sexy with the textures of grass, bamboo, some rustic wood. Combine 60's Hollywood and beachy relaxed a'la Tony Duquette for "Dr. No" and you get everyday sexy. Everyday sexy is about comfort. It has to feel like a second skin, or a comfy t-shirt and flip flops. A home where one can just be, that is sexy.

Accessorizing the Home

Accessories are just as much a finishing touch to a home as they are to an outfit. Depending on the home, and the outfit, too many can kill the look. Co Co Chanel was right, take one accessory off before leaving the house, the same rings true for the home.

Different interior styles call for different accessories. A Bohemian interior will certainly have more accessories than say a contemporary modern interior. In this blog I will focus on the latter.

With the cleaner lines of a contemporary interior, clutter is a definite no-no. Accessories are minimal, randomly placed, not likely in clusters. In order to pull this off, items used to add some flash or pop to a room, are statements in and of themselves, generally larger pieces that do not need a supporting character to help them tell a story.

I am really loving the Empire State Building. It is actually

a Meccano Erector Set, yes an

erector set, you build it! It is

available through the

MetMuseum.org. It stands 24"

high and would look fabulous on

a cocktail table, console,

credenza, etc., etc.

This beautiful vase was made by

artisans in El Salvador, it is

available from AidToArisans.org.

The delicate flowers surrounding

the vase are formed from wire. This piece would be at home in either

a Bohemian interior or a contemporary one.

I once wrote about how artwork is an investment, not that it has to be expensive, but something that you love. Something that represents you and your home. Accessories like artwork, are focal jewels of a room. When you have a piece that speaks for itself, like the two above, a supporting cast is definitely not needed.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

So here we are again, the beginning of a new year! A time to reflect on the year that has passed, the good and the bad, and a time to look forward to the potential of what the new year ahead has to offer. I always get so excited to start a new year, because, for the most part, we control our destinies. Now we alone cannot control the economy, but we can dream and plan as to how we are going to make our lives better than they were the year before. These plans may be referred to as resolutions by most, but I refer to them simply as "goals". Life is a game, and a goal within a game is "a successful attempt to score", as per The Merriam-Webster Dictionary.

I am looking forward to a creative year of finishing projects for my existing clients and starting new projects with new clients. My way of tackling a project hasn't changed, I am still very cautious of budgets and finding my clients the best bang for their buck. I also believe it is even more important now to spend money on a house to make it a home. A home where one wants friends and family to spend time. A home that is stylish and comfortable. It all starts with items you already have in the house. Maybe add new paint, a new lamp (lighting it sooooo important) a new pillow or perhaps rearranging the furniture.

I'm excited for a new year. I'm ready to add style to any home. Two of my goals are to be happier and more successful than I am at this moment, I am ready to score.