Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Change

As we grow older, wiser, more adept to the understanding of what our lives are, were, and will be, I think our aesthetic changes too. The more we see, the more we experience, the better learned we are to the ways of design, and how we can put it together - even if that means duplicating work we see in other places.

Four years ago, Scott and I moved to this little house in Western New York. I was 24. Now, at 28, and after years of looking at the walls, listening to them, and understanding how we need rooms to work in this old house; coupled with a wonderful opportunity to see and experience great design and decoration, I've decided to impart a bit of change. Partially due to necessity, partially due to a growth and change in taste - I'm working feverishly to get it ready for a blog unveiling next week.

As with any room, time builds and shapes it, and no perfect room can be made in a week, but I have a vision, and a stubborn Taurean attitude to get it done. What's in store you ask? A shift from green to gray, from saturated to neutral, and from cluttered to a more thoughtful collection.

While I work, pour over these inspiration images I found helpful in my decision to change, I hope they provide at least a small dose of courage to you, too! Change can be, as Martha says, a very good thing.










Room Design by Brooke Giannetti : Velvet & Linen


Room Design by Brooke Giannetti : Velvet & Linen





19 comments:

  1. ARtie, I think growth is always a good thing, but please do not change too much . I hope you are not going to lose the warmth your home has to the bland look of Restoration Hardware. YOu are unique and I love that about you. Neutral is nice but keep Artie in there, please, Kathysue

    ReplyDelete
  2. Curious to see what you've done, Artie! I only found your blog a few months ago and I've loved seeing your rooms. Tastes change over time, it happens and I know I've gone through it a few times. In fact, once we down-size, I know that house will be decorated a little bit different from my current one.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Kathysue, I second that emotion!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I agree with Kathysue -- don't loose who you are in your home and your decor. I am tempted by neutral and uncluttered myself, but every time I try, I go back and add stuff and color. I'm sure you'll stay true to your personality, and when you do, your home will continue to be beautiful. I cant wait to see what you do!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Change is the essence of design. All things are derivative, so taking inspiration from something else is a natural turn. Can't wait to see your metamorphosis! Good luck!
    Laura

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm liking where you are heading!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Love the photo, 3rd from the bottom with the chinoise lamps...I could so see that in your house!

    Great stuff Artie..xx kelley

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Artie..
    I too understand the need for change and I'm certain you'll accomplish exactly what you want. Learning your a taurus does tell me there will and should always be a degree of opulence in your decor..

    I'd love to do your chart for you..:) just to get a peek at what this year holds..

    Holiday Hugs
    Sonny

    ReplyDelete
  9. I've had my own home for enough years to survive the green/gold of the 70's and be on the cutting edge of country blue, mauve and ruffled rabbits with floppy ears in the 80's (although it really makes me nauseous now to think of those things). Over the years I've definately learned that for me, less is more (except at Christmas) and that a nice deep taupe on the walls works with everything!

    I'm anxious to see what you are up to.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I am mad for the wall mounts, everything is beautiful. You have
    magical talents.

    yvonne

    ReplyDelete
  11. Oh Artie-- you are young yet and will see so many changes in your tastes as the years move you along. I do think you are an old soul though..and I like old souls! higs- Diana

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hey Artie, I was on a blog break for awhile but Im back in action. I must tell you that Ive been feeling the same way about my rooms. I even went for a more neutral christmas this year which was never my style. lol I love the inspiration photos and cant wait to see what you come up with. And what is this about a blog unveiling....im getting excited. lol Happy Holiday to you and Scott! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  13. I'm with you, it's good to change it up every once in a while. (I just sell and move elsewhere. ha.) I look back on my different looks, and I still have one or two to try before "settling down." Looks like you're planning some rather radical ones, based on your images. Good luck. I can't wait to see! cheers -s

    ReplyDelete
  14. What I have learned over the years.....as you get older your tastes change and your home becomes who you are at the time. Your taste will change many times during your lifetime. Change what you can afford to change, buy what YOU love! It will make you happy!
    I can't wait to see your changes. Merry Christmas to you and yours!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I'm right there with you! LOVE these inspirational images! Can't wait to see your refreshed creation of h o m e . . .

    xo
    Lynda

    ReplyDelete
  16. I too went through what I will call the Restoration Hardware phase last year. This is from a person who loves colorful art, usual furniture and ethnic accessories. After moving towards a more neutral, uncluttered design, I started to miss the pops of color here and there. When I arrived home or walked downstairs in the morning, I didn't have that happy feeling I had in the past. So now, I am back to adding some color to my home, including repainting. I will probably tone it down a bit and be more selective with my accessories, however, I realize now I can't live in a home without some color. I am excited to see what you come up with.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Artie, you design aesthetic will evolve and devolve. Have fun with it. Over time, the rich patois of your own blended tastes will settle in. With your eye, you cannot fail. I look back at my sleek Italian leather and glass phase and chuckle; it's not me now, but we were young, bulletproof and it was fun.

    BTW, I just bought the huge Paris map at RH and am thrilled, and the Chesterfield sofa in cigar leather is so fine.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Artie- I went through a similar change about 10 years ago.... moving from a more colorful, more cluttered environment to more peaceful colors (I like to use the colors in dried hydrangea as inspiration) and less, larger accessories. I have been very happy with the result, but I am so very glad I went through the other stage as I learned so much that I carry with me and use today.
    I think growth is a natural, good thing for a designer. I also think it very important to stay true to yourself, no matter what the masses are doing. A fine design line, if you will;)!

    Look forward to seeing your evolution!
    best,
    joan

    ReplyDelete