Style Rules

I've compiled a list of some of my most basic rules to help get your space in the best shape of its life.

1. Start with a simple base. Anyone who knows me knows that i am a huge fan of white. As in 99% of my walls are all WHITE. Besides the obvious fact that it keeps everything feeling bright & airy, it also gives me a very easy palette to work with. Literally anything I choose will work because absolutely nothing clashes with white. For those that like to keep it warmer (there are warm whites ya know..but that's a whole other blog post) you can choose grays, greige (the new trend) or even black. Yep, me the queen of white, has an entire wall painted black. And its AWESOME.

2. Mix up those textures. Textures give visual depth and provides balance to a room. Even if you're set on a monochrome color palette, just adding different textures can immediately give it something special. Textures can also be used to convey the TYPE of style. For example, smooth and glossy just scream modern & clean while velvet & faux fur are all about a luxe & cozy vibe. BUT be careful not to go TOO overboard with them. In a single space, its best to stick with 2 or 3 different textures at most.

3. Layer your lighting. You might be confused upon first reading this. Well i'm here to give you the 411 on properly lighting up your room. A common misconception is that people need to have one big fixture to light up the whole space. Wipe that from your system. It's actually best to incorporate different points of light. Best lit rooms have "layers" of light that all blend togethor. Another big no-no is overly bright lights, because nobody enjoys feeling like theyre about to be questioned. Use a combination of ceiling lights, floor lamps and/or table lamps. and candles. ALWAYS candles.

4. Dont Over-Theme. Seriously, i'm begging you, don't do it. I get that you're wanting to go for that beachy nautical look but too much navy and white stripes, anchor prints and knotted ropes just send you into cheesy overload. There is a way to style the room of your dreams and still convey the style your trying to get across, without looking cheap & tacky. (notice how i keep using the word "style" and not "theme"). ALSO, remember not to get super literal when styling, just get INSPIRED. Weave in some nautical influences, like a light blue linen chair, a stack of books all related to boats, water, ect. See how you're incorporating the items you love, without punching people in the face with them. Another thing, nautical doesnt always have to be blue and white. Ok yeah definitely always white :) but you can veer off into other color combos too!

5. Avoid clutter. Ok yeah i'll laugh for you, I GET IT. I have a 4 yr old, and an 8 month old puppy, and a man who makes the mess of a 4 yr old. I totally get that clutter is essentially un-avoidable. So ill let you in on a secret, functional storage! Praise the lord that baskets are so on trend because seriously, get yourself a crap load of baskets. That way when you're too tired to pick everything up (for the hundredth freakin' time that day) and have no energy left to yell at them to do it, you've got that beautiful basket to chuck it all in, nice and quick. No one will ever know. In the kids room, the playroom, the living room and beyond.