About a month ago my mother texted me "someone dropped off tons of Architectural Digest magazines outside the library". I flew into high gear, piled the kids into the minivan and we swooped into the parking lot - I couldn't risk someone else taking "my" loot. As I walked up to the backdoor of the library, I couldn't believe it; stacks and stacks of old Architectural Digest going back to the early 90's lay waiting. It took multiple trips to load them into the car. I flipped through a few, but honestly I felt myself wanting to savor each issue. Having gone through quite a few issues now, there are things that still surprise me.
Good, classic design is timeless. Sure, you might get tired of the kitchen backsplash, or the color of the sofa, but the bones are good and the rest can shift per your tastes.
Neutral and colors never fade - one isn't better than the other. They each have their place in the stage of design. What matters is what the house's architecture is saying, the setting of the home, and the client interest.
Invest in a few solid pieces. And no, that doesn't mean a Crate and Barrel sofa. Forget the fast fashion of furniture; think antique writing desk, bench-made sofa, or Oushak wool rug. These are enduring pieces that infuse a richness and character into the home, and yes, they can coexist next to the Target pillow. In fact, when decorating is done right, you can't even tell.
In summary, good design, enduring design and decorating for interiors is an investment in now and the future when done correctly. Don't get caught up in the trends and hype, whether its new construction or a renovation. Invest wisely and honor the home, your tastes and select pieces will wear well in the years to come. Case in point: my nightstand is a French marble bistro table, but my comforter is Target...and no one knows that but me.
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