Friday, February 6, 2009

"Details are the soul of decoration"

When world-famous architect Mies van der Rohe said that "God is in the details," he was talking about buildings, but the same profound truth applies to the art of decoration as well.
It is the details of a room that give it personality, or "soul". Unfortunately, some rooms lack this quality altogether, even though they have perfectly fine furnishings.

In editing the details of a room the designer becomes an artist, making decisions about color, texture, and composition. As he/she does this, the room becomes his own. God may be in the details, but you should be too, if you want to create a room with "soul". The sheer number of accents and accessories that are placed in any given room depends to a large degree on the basic style of that room. A sleek, minimal contemparary scheme will not remain so, if it becomes too loaded with objects.


A profusion of items, however even clutter may actually enhance an English country setting and make it cozier and more charming. One does need to be careful though, too many and you don't see them. In the end, there are no absolute answers when it comes to these elements of design. Beauty is indeed in the eye of the editor... would you agree?



15 comments:

  1. Vicky--I'm thrilled that you have a blog! It's delightful!!! I'm adding your blog to my sidebar!

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  2. I totally agree. Some rooms just beg for more accessories depending on the room's style and the feeling evoked by the furnishings.

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  3. Vicky, you're just so smart! What have we been doing without you? Messing up our details I think! lol
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  4. Oh Vicky I am loving that bathroom...its so beautiful..thanks for sharing...your blog is looking good girl..thanks for your prayers for Kyra you are too sweet girl...hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

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  5. CONGRATS, dear Vicky! "I think this is going to be the start of a beautiful friendship"! (Susan just told me you had started this, & I rannnn right over! AND, it's well worth the "glow" on my face from the "quick jaunt"!Yes, getting old is soooo "FUN"!). REEEALLY a classic look you're sharing here, & it's all true~~~ it's just not a "home" if it's void of one's TRUE charachter, passions & past. And, altho one may "HAVE" alot of "things" they love, IMHO it's better, & MUCH more pleasing to ALL the senses, to put away the vast majority of it, & just "interchange" one beloved item for another when one is "in the mood" (Oooh! Love that song!). ANYhoo, after soooo many moves, I REALIZE I MUST change things around ~ they stop being "seen" if they remain in the same space too long and/or "used/displayed" in the same way~~~ If I started over, nowadays, I'd simply really PREFER a "less is more" approach~ a smallish cottage (but on/at the ocean, or in the mountains, of course!) w/ old n' worn, wide-planked wood floors, lots of stone (paleish), lightly layered oyster/cream walls, LOTS of light & BIG windows and/or french doors at every turn~ lots of variations of whites & beiges linens, etc... NOTHING fancy, nothing formal, nothing pretentious adn NOTHING "THEMEY"! I believe that at SOME point in life (& in our case, "now"), "simple" really IS better. Thanks soooo much for sharing these FAB pics & thoughts, & asking OUR opinions, too. (Altho you probably don't want THIS much "chatter"! Sorry!)~ I KNOW I'll be visiting you alot to see what WONDERFUL things you're sharing! THANK YOU, old friend~ Love, Linda

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  6. OMGosh I AM sorry~~~ geez, I didn't REALIZE this was SOOO long! Sorry, kiddo! Hugs, Linda/"Mom..."

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  7. Now aren't you having fun??? Put some of those wonderful pictures of you home. You are doing a great job. Kathy

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  8. Hello Vicky
    I enjoyed catching up with you this morning.

    Pat@Back Porch Musings

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  9. I agree 'it is all in the details', as in a Haute Couture fashion creation.

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  10. Totally,I am so glad you did this.You are a pro at it already.Show ya stuff girl...Ann

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  11. Hmmmmm did you say something? I was too busy growing weak at the knees looking at that fabulous bathroom!! *winks* Naw! I'm just kiddin' ya. I totally agree. But how to do the details beautifully is such an art. Vanna

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  12. Oh my, another fantastic pro on blogland- So much talent around- I am sure glad you all are so sweet to share your love of decorating with us amateurs!!!

    I love that bathroom- oh how wonderful to soak in a tub like that! Mine is a pink 50's model that lets you only have 6 inches or so of water before the overflow starts letting out the water- just doesn't work for this rather tall girl!!

    blessings
    mary

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  13. Boy do I agree with that,it is the final little touches that can make or break a room.It will make a good room a great room.I have a real fine line in my own home when just one more thing added ruins the whole thing.I think it is important for each person to know where they draw their own lines.Very thought provoking and beautifully articulated.I really enjoy your blog and you are now on my list,Miss Vicky.Hugs,Kathysue

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  14. Ummmm...I WANT that bathroom!! :-) L~

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