Is there decor every home needs? I think the answer to that question is yes, but you be the judge.
For a sofa, we think you need several pillows sized properly. I use a daybed for our sofa at the farm. If you use a daybed as a sofa, you’ll need a lot of pillows so when you sit on it, your feet will touch the floor. I have pillows 3 deep on mine, then I have the 3 decorative pillows in front. If you have a sofa, I think it’s nice to have 5 pillows on it.
Continuing with our topic of decor every home needs, each room needs something black or something dark. My mom was a painter so she always said a painting needs lights and darks. I took her painting tip and applied it to my home. I think it applies just as much to an interior as it does to a painting. The black of the clock gives the room depth and weight.
I like to see 3 sources of light or more for every room. Typically you have overhead lighting, but it’s also nice to have several lamps in each room. Overhead lighting can feel harsh, so it’s nice to have softer mood lighting from lamps.
I often say that my style is a mix of rustic and refined. I feel like each room should have something rustic and something refined. The refined thing could be gold, or crystal or silver. It should be something elegant.
The rustic thing could be a wicker basket, a wood bread board or bowl. It could even be something literally rusty.
I like to see stained wood in every home and every room. I do love painted furniture, but most of my furniture is stained, not painted.
I think having a mirror is every room is really nice. It reflect light and makes the room feel more cheery.
I have a THING for throw pillows. I actually bought a fabric type “closet” for the basement to store them all;) I also agree about something black, I have something black or very dark in every room. Where we have overhead lighting, Joe has installed dimmers in most places. I once went to a dinner party at a friends and the chandelier was SO bright it was actually annoying. I LOOOOVE that piece with the mirror in your bathroom. Just gorgeous. Have a beautiful day. My Joe had open heart surgery last Tues. I brought him home on FRIDAY!!!! and he is doing very well!!! I am totally amazed.
I will keep you and your husband in prayer that his healing will continue and strength for you
I’ve been praying for him, and so happy he is doing better. What a scary time it must have been. I know you are taking the best care of him.
I like to inclued a little something black in every room. It grounds the room and keeps it from being to ethereal.
Right on, as always. Somehow I’ve incorporated all these tips into my personal Decor style. Everyplace I look, my eye rests on something unique and beautiful, making home my favorite place to be. Much of that I owe to your book, which I purchased before I knew of you or your blog! It allowed me to maintain my own style, but added the French twist I now LOVE ?
Bellisimo como siempre me encanta,saludos.
Oh my such great information and tips God bless
I use mirrors in every room. In some rooms I have multiples. I have an addition for lights and mirrors. Therefore, dim lights and reflected mirrors. It makes a room look larger and in my eyes, cozy. Nice read. Enjoyable Anita.
My university Interior Design teacher who was older than dirt in 1970…always said…”Something dark, something light, something dull, something bright!” Whether you are dressing a room or yourself, doing painting or a flower arrangement, I have always heeded that advice in everything I do. Grins, feel free to quote me, as I know she would be at least 130 years old by now.
I love that quote Sandi!!
I also agree that every room needs something black or dack. I think it complements and accentuates the decor!
You have many beautiful pieces. I especially love the large piece in your bathroom. Thanks for sharing your fabulous spaces.
Your rooms are always so pretty. A girlfriend about 10 years ago told me how important it was to have something dark in every room. Your example of the little clock highlighted that for me.
I have also heard you should have something in the room that is dark. It helps ground the room.
This one is really a great post. These pictures are beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
All items checked here at home! I am surprised you did not include plants/flowers. I definitely have that on my list to be in each room. About the mirrors – don’t we need to place them some special way/place to get the proper reflection? I avoid them,, because I am never sure where to hang them. HELP!!!
What is the evergreen on the gold table by the pitcher of roses? Thank you.
Like how you have used the pansies.
Yes, excellent idea Nan! Plants add so much to a room. Yes on the placement of the mirrors being important. The plant is an ivy. I think as long as you don’t have a reflection you don’t want to see, most placements would work on the mirror.
This was so interesting! Thank you so much for your ideas on what all rooms need!!
Thank you for your excellent tips on decor every home needs. I completely agree with you about the importance of having something black in every room to ground it. All my rooms have quite a bit of black in them. I love the contrast between black elements and light walls and fabrics.
You have a lovely curated home. I don’t have the same touch, so your tips are appreciated 🙂
I loved your suggestions, and how you illustrated your points. I think the cheery comment was nice, for adding mirrors but also things like the cute wire plate rack that had some purple and green cabbage ware. Very charming as always over here Anita!
Amy, yes you and I both love purple!!! I hope you are enjoying that adorable grandbaby!!!
This was one of my favorite reads regarding decorating.
Thank you-
Tracey, thank you!!! I’m so glad you liked it.
I always get such great tips from you! Thank you.
I haven’t been much of a fan of the color black but I do see the need to have it in a room. Even if it’s just a picture frame or around appliances ina kitchen. If a room is all neutrals then it really does pop and ground the room. Maybe that is why so many floors are dark wood tones?…
Happy decorating and I guess I haven’t read many of your posts with your farmhouse in them. It is very pretty! Love all the pillows on the daybed.
Hugs to you, Anita,
Barb ??
Thanks Barb. Good point about the flooring!!!