We Answer Wednesday - How To Decorate With a Theme

"I love the relaxed feel of the beach and I want to bring a beachy look into my space but I don't want my home to look over the top (cheesy). How can I decorate with a theme and not go overboard? "

A theme is a great source of inspiration when it comes to home decor.  But you are right, of you aren't careful you can get carried away and the theme can take over.

If you love the beach - this is a great start - you know what you want and like!  So think about the elements of the beach - soft and tonal colours, natural materials, easy fabrics, casual and relaxed are what you will want to see in the space, so look for pieces that have those features.  You don't necessarily need 'beach' items like shells, photos of the beach or nautical pieces but a few carefully selected items of this ilk can really solidify your theme.

Here's an example of a coastal inspired living room with the theme kept to a minimum.  Notice the soft tones, a few coral accents (the table and on the throw pillows), nautical stripes and a few touches of blue.  Overall this space has some beachy elements but the theme isn't super obvious.



Here's another example of a beach inspired living room. We see some natural wood pieces like the show stopping chandelier and the coffee table. We also see some white washed rattan accents.  there are some pops of soft blue like the sea and some beach glass accessories, too.



Here's the other side of that space, the dining area, we see a few more beach inspired pieces like the hurricane lanterns, the sea foam upholstered chairs and some sea shell decor on the built-in.



 Here's another example of a subtle beach theme in a bedroom.  Again we do not see obvious beach decor but the inspiration is definitely there.  Notice the sisal area rug it adds that natural texture.  The mix of soft and easy textures on the bed and the colour tones are natural beach hues. What really makes this room not scream 'beach theme' is the choice of prints in the throw pillows and drapery - the prints are quite traditional (trellis and floral) but in those tones.  So again you get this timeless looking space.  The canopy bed is so romantic something you would expect to see at luxurious beach resort.
 

 


If you are concerned about the longevity of the theme, keep the main elements neutral like paint, flooring, drapery and furniture - you can add in art, pillows and other accessories that embrace the theme.

When you want to decorate with a theme in mind you don't have to be too literal. Think about your chosen theme and why it has inspired you- what are the elements you love about this theme and take it from there.  If you do that, you will have a look that you love and a look that will last (a timeless look).

We Answer Wednesday - 10 ways to use wicker/rattan indoors

"Summer is almost over but I love the look and laid back feel of my rattan furniture.  Is there a way to bring rattan pieces inside so I can keep that summer style all year?"

It is so sad to see summer on it's way out - no matter how great the summer is it never seems long enough.  Rattan aka wicker furniture definitely has an outdoor air about it but it can definitely be brought indoors.  You definitely want to avoid bringing certain outdoor pieces inside, many are too bulky and don't "translate" well inside.  If you love rattan than use it indoors and follow these tips.

1.  Mix. Don't have an all rattan set like a dining set indoors.  It just looks like you brought the BBQ inside.  Try this instead. The rattan chairs have an indoor look with clean parson style legs and the slip covered captain chairs in a light airy canvas fabric help to soften all of the wood tones and textures.  This dining space has that breezy and laid back style but it still looks like an indoor space.



2. Moderation. A little bit can go a long way.  Try a few accents on indoor pieces.  This contemporary kitchen table with a touch of rattan on the seats only gives the space a casual look but doesnt change the style of the space.  It adds an organic and natural touch to the space adding warmth and texture.



3. Decor. Rattan has so much texture and warmth but maybe using it in furniture is too much for you or maybe it doesn't work with your style.  Try using wicker baskets for storage and decor. We love the look of this wicker plate/basket 'gallery wall' it really softens up the modern streamlined look in this space and it gives the whole space such a unique style and up against the white washed brick wall it is a great contrast.



4. More than just seating.  Rattan is used in many pieces of furniture not just chairs, look at using a rattan 'trunk' as a coffee table or maybe a toy box.







 5. Streamline. Be sure to use items that have clean lines and feel free to add some great pops of colour and pattern but use indoor fabrics so the whole piece looks and feels like it belongs inside. We also love this image because of the wicker basket by the fireplace.



6. Colour.  Don't love the natural look of rattan but love the texture? Paint it!!  It is so easy to do.  be sure to do it outdoors and choose any spray paint colour you like!  It's a great way to customize your furniture on a budget.  Go as big and bold as you like



 
7. Tight on space? Try stacking low wicker ottomans for coffee tables, end tables and maybe even some spare seating.  These are so versatile and we love them!



8.  Bedroom. Wicker and rattan have a great way of making the bedroom cozy.  We love it as a textured headboard.  It looks amazing against a bold accent wall and the tone and texture add so much warmth to the space.  It is a great addition to a coastal or beach inspired room.



9. Lighting.  Rattan and wicker  light shades look great either as table lamps, floor lamps or pendants.  The texture is so organic and sculptural.  It works with so many styles of decor.



10. Alternative, sisal.  Sisal and rattan/wicker have similar tones and textures. If you are looking to add this natural texture and tone to your space but not finding furniture pieces you like or don't want to buy new furniture pieces a sisal rug on the floor.  A classic casual area rug gives any space a casual look and works with most styles of decor.

Decorating Island Style

I have had the absolute pleasure of spending the past 5 days in Ocho Rios, Jamaica in an incredible villa called ' Scotch on the rocks' .  This has been such a relaxing experience with the most spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea, the sounds and smells of the beach, an amazing staff, delicious homemade food and of course calming Island style decor...so what are the basics you need to know to capture soothing Island style in your home?



Island style is easy laid back living with very little fuss.  It's not fancy but it is so peaceful and functional, too.  It looks stunning especially with the beautiful backdrops of sea and sky.

The main ingredient would be colour selection.  Most warm climates (ranging from Greece to St. Martaan) take their inspiration from the sea.  Opting for light or white walls and adding accents of blue and/or Tera cota or espresso. 


Flooring is mainly large Travertine tile in sand tones and usually with a 'straight from nature' look and feel instead of some uber modern uniform look.  No carpeting at all (again for ease).  Sometimes you will see accents of hardwood usually in a dark espresso stain and wide plank.

Textiles are of natural and/or easy to wash fabrics in white, shades of blue and sometimes pattern including both of those colours.  And the bedrooms are often outfitted in white on white linens with pops of ocean blue.



Accents - you can capture the beach feel without going over board.  for accents and pops of colour and pattern, stay fresh with blue, white and yellow or green.  Pattern does not need to be nautical or ocean themed like nautical flags and shells and seahorses but stripes are a great look, tie dye (but in only two colour like white-blue or white yellow), paisley, tribal anything really as long as the colours are right.  Look for art that is soothing and calming - it could be Impressionist or abstract.  Look for lamps that have a Hemingway look or Beach glass but really keep it simple.  Bowls of tropical fruit can look cheesy but if done right can llok inviting, contemporary and bright.  Adding lots of white candles can give a beautiful and romantic glow in the evening.



Living by the beach is all about simplicity and relaxation, no one should feel like they are trapped in a museum.  You should be able to put your feet up and have a drink without worrying about wrinkling the sofa cushions or getting sand on the floor.  This look really i best in coastal environments but if you want to bring som of your favourite vacaction memories home with you, why not?