Number 12 and the Last Strategy

This is it! The last day of "Strategies For Small Spaces". Number 12!

Customize every inch!

I read recently in  magazine that a prominent designer, bought every magazine on design and interiors and handed them to her client and said, " mark everything that you like".  What a great idea.  I have referred to that in my blog as my tear file.  But the idea is, if you want to do something great with your small space, buy some magazine's and look through them.  Then look at your space and find the exact right thing for that space.  Tear out what you like.

Two things happened today.  First I went to Kirklands.  If you are not familiar with it, it is a home decorating store, with just lots of accessories, mirrors, lamps and so much else.  The scents in these places overpower me.  I started sneezing.  So I learned, that all cannot live with a lot of scents in one place.  I happen to love light sweet smells, Lily Of The Valley is my favorite, if I can find it.  Now in stores like that, you can purchase items and make sure they fit your style.  Take a picture of the item with your smart phone and keep looking at it.  If you really like it, Buy it.  Concentrate on one area at a time.  Make it look expensive for a small price.

Years ago, I bought some oriental rugs there that to this day fit perfectly with my décor and are very nice for inexpensive rugs.

I seem to be able to find things everywhere.

The second thing that happened, I went to a Holiday House presented by our Symphony.  Each room was decorated for Christmas.  The Christmas areas were gorgeous, but the house lacked character.  Not one painting was seen, except for the family ones.  Nothing hung on the walls of this large house.  It was void of customizing every inch.  There is tasteful decorating and a tendency to overdue.  This was one of the sterile houses I have talked about.

You will know when enough is enough.

Again look to Ballard Designs, www.ballarddesigns.com for great ideas.

Tomorrow, pictures of things that work in small places.  I think I will start a Christmas decorating theme  around the 15th of this month.  Watch for it.