Behind the Objects: Getting Catty

In my last post, I tried to hammer home the concept of personalizing your space.  But what does that really mean? In the land of design blogs, we talk a lot about things.  Furniture, art, accessories... material objects.  What really makes a home's design special to the occupant, however, is the meaning behind the objects.

In this new series, I'll be taking the time to celebrate the personal significance of the things I surround myself with.  The stories of my home.

Without further ado (and in no particular order whatsoever)....

Object #1: Brass Cat

My parents came across this cat about a year ago while cleaning out my great aunt's house.  She was, to put it nicely, a collector.  It needed a serious scrub, but what an outcome!  Maybe it's because I dabble in being a crazy cat lady, I love this little guy.  So regal.

I still haven't found the right spot for him yet (I really need to style some vignettes around this house), so currently he guards over our computers from his perch on the bookshelf.  I'm not sure of his age (certainly not new) or origins, but he feels like he has a story to tell.  Maybe it's a story of my great aunt.

3 Ways to avoid Box Store Syndrome

Box Store Syndrome 1. A condition characterized by look-alike living rooms, bland bedrooms, and souless spaces.

2. Letting an unknown store decorator dictate your style; lacking a personal touch.

Never ever ever ever buy all the pieces of furniture in one set.  We've all done it.  We should all not do it again.  Let's make a deal.

I'm as guilty as the rest of you, but I'm still kicking myself for it.  Take my living room.  When we first moved in, our living room was a bit of a snooze (understatement of the year).  It said nothing about who we are and it really could have been a room in any house.

By breaking up the seating set and mixing up materials with a new glass coffee table, even the in-progress living room is much more interesting.

Play with styles and finishes.  Have fun with your furniture!  You can still find a living room 'set' at one store, though if you look a little harder.  Instead of buying the sofa and chair of the same collection, look around the showroom for complimenting pieces.

Don't get me wrong, not all the pieces need to be different.  A sofa of one style, and a pair of chairs in another can have the same stunning effect.

Own your space!  There are many other ways personalize a space beyond family photos.  Your room should reflect who you are.  Are you a fun young couple who loves the outdoors?  Your space should not be a stuffy formal room with perfectly polished accessories.  Love hiking? Incorporate rustic woods.  Are you a theater buff?  Add drama through window treatments.  Do you LOVE the color purple? (guilty!)  Don't shy away from it, celebrate it!  If your room feels like YOU, it will feel more like home.

One of the best ways to put your stamp on a space is through accessories.

If an item speaks to you, find a way to incorporate it into your space.  Souvenirs from your travels, artwork from your children, or simply a piece that makes you smile will all add personality to your surroundings.

Group items together for a more cohesive feel.  Pro tip: odd numbers are almost always more pleasing to the eye.  Try this in action by grouping 3 items of different scales together (think small, med, and large).

Back to Reality

After a week away from reality in Cancun, it's time to get my head back in the game.

I'm really excited about some of the cool pictures I got on vacation, including the one above.  Finally, I'm feeling as though my photo skills are looking up.  Why the sudden change in outlook?  Well, having the right tools really helps.

I am please to say, I can already cross 2 items off my 30 before 30 list

4. Buy a 'big girl' camera 5. Take a photography class (to learn how to use said 'big girl' camera)

A few days before vacation, I got my new toy: a Sony NEX 5n.  I shot using the auto mode all vacation, but I have yet to really unleash it's full power with the manual settings.  Right around the time I ordered my camera, Living Social was offering a local 3 hour digital photography workshop.  Deal!  The workshop yesterday was exactly what I was hoping for.  I am now enlightened about HOW to use all the manual settings.  Now all I have to do is play around with the camera and figure out the best settings to get the aesthetic I'm looking for.  Later this week, I'll share some of my experimental photoshoots.

I can't wait to work it all out and start sharing with you a much higher caliber of photos!