You may think its cool to have a room that looks like you stepped off the plane and into a Hawaiian luau or like a bomb of West Virginia football paraphernalia exploded in your man cave, but the reality is, hardcore theme decorating is simply outdated. The new face of theme decorating requires much more restraint, a bit of creativity and leaving something to the imagination. If you want to have a themed room you can do so without making everyone who enters there feel like they should put on sun block or wear a foam finger. Here are five simple rules to follow when you want to have a themed decor in your home, without over doing it:
1. Leave a little to the imagination - a well designed theme room is a little like good abstract art. You want people to contemplate it without its meaning being completely in their face. For example, in a beach-themed room you can use an accent table made of carved wood. The table serves the function of a side table where a lamp can sit but it also is reminiscent of a piece of driftwood washed up on the shore. The sofa can be the color of sand. An abstract piece of artwork can represent the waves, or does it? Depends on who's looking at it. A lamp made of turquoise acts like artwork without screaming beach.
If you are doing a man cave, perhaps some abstract photos of the stadium nicely framed and hung in a collage could provide interesting artwork and a conversation piece. If your theme is Asian, simple using grasscloth wallpaper on a couple of walls for texture and adding a red accent wall with black and red accessories can get the point across. You get the idea. Subtle and abstract is much more powerful than in your face and obvious.
2. Don't over do the accessories - a few themed pieces can be thrown in to the accessories, such as black and white photos of the beach on the walls. Mix that in with some simple white vases and some white accent pillows with what appears to be pussy willow on them. Some stones simply placed on a turquoise plate can offer a bit of texture and interest. Stay away from a lot of sea shells or sand or seaweed. Go subtly with your accessories, but try to use things considered reminiscent of your theme.
3. Paint can go a long way - that man cave can represent WVU, or North Carolina or whatever your flavor is, with its paint colors. You don't need to actually paint the big WVU logo on the wall, instead, use the blue as your wall color and use the yellow as your accent color in fabrics, or artwork, or other accessories. Remember, you can subtly and tastefully get your point across while creating a much more interesting and pleasing room decor.
The moral of the story is that themed rooms can be fun and interesting if they are done with care. Gone are the days of the basement tikki bar. Today's themed rooms are much more subtle and abstract than ever. So enjoy your theme room decorating but do so with caution and restraint.
Paola McDonald, Certified Interior Decorator and Owner of Creative Elegance Interiors, LLC
Creative Elegance Interiors is a full service interior decorating and design firm based in Haymarket, VA and serving Northern Virginia, Washington, DC and parts of Maryland. We work with homeowners to create beautiful, functional, elegant home spaces that meet their and their families needs. We offer everything from custom window treatments, to kitchen and bathroom design, to furnishings and accessories. Our design style is elegant, sophisticated and clean. Our goal is to create home spaces that are beautiful, functional and designed to be enjoyed.
Creative Elegance Interiors, LLC
(571) 331-4801
http://www.creativeeleganceinteriors.com
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