The key to decorating today
is to focus less on function and more on
emotion. Not that you should bypass the
latest conveniences, but to capture a
satisfying, cohesive look for your home,
begin by asking yourself how you want
it to feel.
When you see a setting that taps
your emotions, that creates that "Aha" -
or "Ahhh" - moment for you, study its
elements:What combination of
furnishings, fabrics, colors, textures,
accessories, even scents and sounds
make that look, that lifestyle, come alive
for you?
Today's sophisticated interiors
demonstrate that a comfortable, relaxed
look need no longer be cottage- or
country-cute. Sun- and water-inspired
colors, seductively soft fabrics, natural
textures, and authentic materials and
decorative elements can evoke the
sense of an exotic locale, even if you
live in a suburban neighborhood, city
high rise, or, should you be so fortunate,
on the coast.
"Surrounding yourself with the
elements of relaxation in your home is a
great way to turn off the stress when
you walk in your door," says Florence
Chaix, a licensing designer for Tommy
Bahama Home. "We want to find
ourselves at a table where the food is
always good, the conversation inspiring,
the setting tranquil, and life is simply
one long weekend."
The ways to create that emotional
calm in your own home abound. But
remember, it's the synergy created by
blending these pieces that makes it
work. No beautiful piece of furniture or
high tech gadget alone can capture the
emotional experience we're seeking.
If you're starting from scratch,
incorporate flowing interior spaces with
openings on at least two sides for cross
ventilation; changing ceiling heights for a
feeling of intimate and open spaces;
window seats and wraparound porches
for taking in the views.
On the Floor
Think natural - rich wood tones,
natural jute or stone. For an old world
feel, use a traditional oriental rug, but in
muted, natural colors that feel as if
they've been in the family for a
generation or two. Rugs patterned with
foliage or flowers lend a more
contemporary feel.
On the Walls
Look for sun-, sand- and-sea-drenched
colors, rich but muted. Create texture
with stucco (more rustic) or grass cloth
(more sophisticated). Finish off with wall
decor in a botanical theme.
Overhead
A slowly turning fan creates a natural
breeze and brings down a high ceiling.
Rustic beams suggest a home and lifestyle
built to endure.
Furnishings
Look for lightly distressed, bold,
traditional forms with tropical inspired
carvings and meticulous detailing.While
still traditional or colonial in feel, these
suggest the hand of a local craftsman
rather than a precious classical antique.
Textures
Mimic nature with layers of different
textures. Let fabrics be ultra soft, supple,
and inviting (remember, this is your
version of paradise). Balance with natural
materials such as rattan, bamboo, metal,
and natural or artificial palms and ferns.
One of the original purveyors of the
island lifestyle,Tommy Bahama Home, for
example, uses abundant natural motifs
and woven materials to reflect a natural,
coastal environment. Its newest Curacao
Reef collection incorporates
carved banana leaves, sunbursts,
bamboo and textured
fabric panels. Upholstery is
sumptuous, not Spartan.
Lighting
Where possible, let in lots
of natural sunlight, or
substitute muted ambient cove
lighting that adds an all-over
glow. Choose fixtures in
wood, cane, antiqued metal,
and ceramics, both porous
and glazed.
Ambience
And to round out your
retreat's island state of mind,
appeal to the senses with
candles, dried flowers or
herbs, subtle incense or
flowering plants.Add a
fountain or waterfall to wash
away your cares. Set the CD to
some soft island rhythms.And,
Tommy Bahama might add,
don't forget the ice.