One of the tricks that professional decorators use to get just the right look in a house, is to listen to what the house has to say.  And no, the house doesn’t really talk to them, but taking cues from a home’s architecture, light, and overall space always leads to a décor scheme that is in sync with the home, and makes it feel natural and comfortable, not contrived.

This trick works to create a space that makes the occupant feel comfortable as well because often we are drawn to particular living spaces because of their architecture.  If you are a fan of the country cottage look, you will most likely be drawn to a living space that has a cottage feel to it.  If you’re a fan of a more contemporary look, contemporary spaces will likely appeal to you more.  You might be drawn to high ceilings and clean lines.

So if you’d like to make your décor and your space work together in perfect harmony, start by assessing the architecture of the room.  Is the room large and open, or small and cozy?  Does the room have many traditional details or is it more contemporary in feel?  Does the room have a lot of light or is it darker and more intimate?  After you have determined the architectural feeling of the space, you have a great jumping off point for décor.

Deciding which direction you are going to pursue for the overall feeling of the room will also help you to determine colors and fabrics.  There are certain color schemes that lend themselves more easily to one type of décor than to another.  For example, trendier colors fit better in more contemporary spaces.  Cottage spaces lend themselves better to more traditional color schemes and so on.

So if you are tempted to redecorate your space in the new year, listen to what your home is trying to tell you and use that as inspiration for a jumping off point.  Then see how “listening” to your home can create a comfortable, inviting space that you will love!

~Wendy Hyde