INTRODUCING FAB BLOG SATURDAYS

Hi everyone

There are so many wonderful home bloggers out there, I know I could spend ALL DAY stuck to the computer screen. It’s sure addictive.  However, I thought that each Saturday I would bring you a blog of the week.  A blog that I have found out there that for me is inspiring and I fall in love with.  It may be just a room that tweaks my interest, or the whole house, or ideas that they have.  I want to bring it to you.

Just the other day I came across a blog Wicks Nest and boy did I stop in my tracks. 
I mean a dead stop.  This house owned by Kristy and her family is so drool-worthy.  It is perfect.  The colors are vibrant, along with the punches of white, it is just light and airy and totally the look I’m hoping to – eventually- achieve in my home. Well, I am trying.

So after I wiped myself off the floor, I thought why not contact Kristy and interview her. Find out how she’s gone about decorating her home.

Kristy  your home is inspiring.  Do you have a ‘label’ for your style?  Beach, eclectic, etc?
I’d say my style is a bit mixed.  I lean toward the ‘classic’ in almost everything and while I adore a tailored and symmetrical look I do love adding a little coastal, rustic or even a bit of shabby chic to a space.  I think this reflects ‘real living’ and represents people and their experiences.  I’m not big on ‘filler’ decor items such as ‘chotskies’...( the type of decor you find staged in model homes)  Rather, I feel that by making your home decor reflect your favorite loves or passions you peek the interest of everyone who enters your home and as a result your home tells a story.

Was there a particular reason you chose a blue and white color scheme? (this may be because of your answer to number one LOL)
I’m a fan of everything light and bright with an emphasis on white with all other colors acting as accents.  I love anything coastal and the colors of the skies and oceans.  When I think of happy spaces I immediately think of the beach, gorgeous gardens, green pastures or prairies...  Outdoor spaces that are light and bright.   I’ve done the red and green color scheme before and while I loved it at the time, I find that I appreciate the primary colors so much more when they are shown in smaller doses like that of accents.  I adore beautiful flower arrangements from my garden or large leafy branches in a vase.  I think the sky is blue and wide for a reason...  You can look at it for days and never really get tired of it.  If done in the correct tone, the color blue makes for a great background color. I’ve chosen the pale soft blue/green color in a few of the rooms in my home for this very reason.

When designing a room, what do you choose first, wall, floors etc?

When designing any space I usually always have a grand ‘vision’ but I always keep in mind the bare bones and what that vision needs to support it.  The bones of a room are the most important in any space -ie., the floors, the molding, the casework.
Other parts of any design can easily be changed and I always try to remind everyone of that.   Paint is a weekend project and you can find ready made window treatments anywhere nowadays.  I’m always asking, “What is the main feel you want for your home and each space?”
Always think quality over quantity and the long term outlook.  It’s nice to be on top of new trends but don’t put yourself in the position to where your room will look dated in just a few years. Always stick with the classics and you can then be as adventurous as you want with all other areas.  

Was there something you had before you moved into this house that directed the way you designed this house?

Most everything I own I bought keeping in mind the layout of my home.  We were lucky in that we were able to pick the layout that functioned well with what I currently had.  I embellished from there.  

What are your favorite stores to get accessories?
I adore all stores and never limit myself.  While I’m a huge fan of HomeGoods, I still love certain pieces from Horchow, Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma Home, Kathy Kuo Home, Restoration Hardware, Wisteria Home Decor, Ballard Designs, Target and Cost Plus.
For pieces that have a bit more history and interest I love going to flea markets and hitting local antique/vintage stores.  I love shopping everywhere and those who know me know that I live for finding that ‘special’ thing that can makes any home beautiful.

You’ve an abundance of white seating. How do you find it for wear and tear and staining (I’m trying to convince my hubby to go with white!!)
I’ve always had slipcovered pieces in my main rooms and they’ve always allowed my family to really enjoy living with the furniture without fear of ruining anything.  I love the ease that slipcovered sofas allow for cleaning and changing color schemes. I wouldn’t change a thing after hosting many a party with high school teens.  it’s the best feeling when you are able to remove your sofa slipcover and take it to the cleaners only to have it returned spotless a few days later.  I always wonder what is really on upholstered sofas now. ;) Yuck!

What is the one element you think every room must have?
Books!  They are great for reading, they add texture, interest, can be used as risers for lamps and decor, and just lend a feeling of history to every space.  I could live in a study that’s full of books as long as it’s light and bright… ;)

What is your favorite room and why?
My favorite room is the study which sits in the front of the house.   It’s almost white in color with a comfy tufted blue Ethan Allen sofa, a large gallery wall of botanical art made by the Amish in Pennsylvania.   A favorite of mine. There are bookshelves with plenty to read, a cozy corner chair and a desk for working.  I love libraries and studies. Having grown up in Washington DC in a home with a full fledged library and going to incredible places like the Smithsonian and Library of Congress, I appreciate any room that has a feeling of knowledge and books provide this.  My study also faces the entire home so when I sit at the desk I can talk to everyone everywhere in the house yet be surrounded by the beautiful feeling the study provides.  This makes me happy!

Was there a particular room you found hard to decorate?
I guess if I had to name one room I’d mention the guest suite.   It’s so tiny and because of this I didn’t want it to feel cluttered and overwhelmed with large furniture pieces.  I decided to paint the room the same Restoration Hardware Silver Sage as the Master Bedroom and then painted the sleigh bed and side tables in the same color to allow for a more spacial feeling.  LOVE the effect! I layered lots of white Restoration Hardware bedding which lends a  feeling of coziness and comfort which I think my guests really appreciate.

 

Are you a rush at it decorator, or do you take it slow and let it evolve?
I’m both.  I want everything done yesterday because that’s who I am ;) but…  if it means waiting on specific decor items or the perfect fabric for a piece of furniture or bedding then I’m all there.
I won’t cheapen or lesson my overall look for a quick buy or a rush job. If I have to whip out a paint brush to make things happen then that’s what I’ll do.
No need to put up with any room if you’re not happy!  I felt this way about my fireplace and just the other day I decided to paint the rock white while we all watched Baseball.  It was a happy day for me. :)
 

Is there any particular piece of advice you would offer to others who want to work with a style similar to yours?

I’m a big believer in staying true to yourself.  Beauty is different to everyone and I respect that. I love seeing spaces through the eyes of someone else.   For me however - I live for clean, classic, tailored looks that have added interest with sentimental pieces or rustic, ‘full of history’ decor and interesting textures that not only compliment a space but personalize it.
I love fresh flowers. Gallery walls are always a plus. Mixing and contrasting is always better than sticking with just 1 style.   

Having grown up living in so many different places (Greece being one) and being a Flight Attendant for so many years, I’m  more familiar with a variety of cultures and what they can offer to making spaces special and unique.

I tweak and retweak constantly. Decorating is a skill that you practice.   It’s always fluid and ever changing.

What are the elements you feel make your home – home?
Anything that has an emotional attachment… photos probably being the most important and decor that takes me to a different place.  
I love life and pieces that we introduce in decor that represent our lives and family are the most important decor and should always take central stage in a special spot in your overall plan.

Thank you so much for inspiring me and readers of my blog.  I think the thing that rings true with Kristy's advice is patience and stay true to your overall vision.

Everyone, please do pop over to Kristy’s blog – www.wicksnest.com  It’s truly a mouthwatering experience.