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Interior Decor that Doesn't Work
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Out dated or retro? Definitely...outdated.
Through the years, we all go through a change in tastes and ideas with regards to our home. There were the plastic crates and scavenged furniture from college days, to the limited funds that kept you from truly spreading your design wings when you bought your first home. For most of us, we get it. For some though..we somehow missed the boat. This article is to give you some ideas with regards to design. Design blunders, are based on many factors, using this as a guide and looking through design magazines can help you stay current in your decor and design efforts. If you aren't seeing your design in them, you may need to give your home an update.
Is it Tacky? Interior decor is a personal choice. People have things around them that are often times worth more than the sum of their parts. Sentimental value will always trump monetary value in decor. In most cases decor should be what you want it to be for your needs. In the world of design though, if its a decorative element and its fake or an imitation it is not as desirable. However, it doesn't have to cost a fortune either, even a less expensive item can pull off a good look in a room. Many people have likes and dislikes that naturally should be getting refined over time and that isn't always about the price tag of an item. Good design and interior decor is a learning process.
Fake plants- Fake plants assure us that we can never kill that which doesn't live. The truth is, fake plants have big drawbacks. They are often dust catchers, and because they don't need attention, there is a tendency to over look them. Its not long before they are caked with dust and have cob webs. The logical suggestion, is to opt for the real deal. They may require some light and watering, but they add a sense of style you just cant get that fake rubber, rubber tree plant . If you don't have a green thumb, which is a good indication as to why you got involved with fake plants in the first place, a few suggestions are to create the illusion by re-potting them in terra-cotta or high end planters to upgrade them to a better standard. Commit to thorough and regular cleaning. There are many products on the market that will keep the fake plants in your home dust free. Try not to go overboard with fake greenery though, less in the world of fake plant gardens is definitely more. Seeking out better quality versions of the real deal will yield a better look as well. Another suggestion is to mingle fake plants with real ones for a uniform look, especially in a sunroom.
Fake flowers- if fake plants are tacky, fake flowers usually are as well. Keep in mind with regards to color, if it doesn't occur in the natural world, its even more tacky than just being fake. What does this mean exactly? Well in basic terms, flowers in the real world come in almost all colors, but one thing for sure, they don't come with their own glitter, and there are no blue Magnolia blossoms.
Dried flowers- Not so long ago dried flowers were a popular item in many floral designs. Crafters armed with glue guns and styro foam all over the country were making wreaths, door hangings, and swags galore. They lost appeal when it became apparent that they are in reality decorative dead things. Those suffering from allergies will not appreciate them in your home, and they fade at some point and are really specific to rustic decor settings.
Faux paint finishes - Keep it simple, leave faux finishes to the experts, and even then, its not always a win. Faux finishes are a personalized choice and will not apply to all tastes, therefore if you see yourself selling any time in the near future, opt out of that. Its a lot of hard work that may have to be painted when you sell and that is just not worth it.
Is it Retro, or outdated? As a general rule of thumb, if its ten years or older, --doesn't matter what it is..it needs updating. That retro look if done properly costs a pretty penny and has to be legit. Just because you haven't updated anything since the Carter administration, doesn't mean you're pulling off an effective "retro design ".. far from it. So if that sofa is plaid, or that fridge is avocado green, it could be time for an overhaul. Pulling off a true retro look requires money, know-how and talent. Consider researching this option well and if you can consult with a decorator that specializes in retro design to help you achieve that look you're after.
On the way out- Laminated wood veneers, brass hardware, and anything plastic in decor is usually way past its prime . Opt for real wood finishes, a general design move towards Maple, Mahogany and Cherry are taking place all over the country in furniture and kitchen cabinets. Consumers are also opting for brushed nickel, pewter, and stainless steel finishes and hardware, as well as oil rubbed iron and bronze. Even traditional decor is making strides at becoming sleek, sophisticated and with cleaner lines.
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