I was wondering why is it that so many of us play it safe when it comes to decorating? This playing it safe look for me at least often times results in spaces that feel very uptight, totally formulaic and I don’t quite understand why anyone would want to live in a home that feels such a way. Homes that nail it for me are those that take risks that’s why time and time again in the glossy’s you see only the homes of designers, artists and architects featured. Often times you see things in these homes that are a little out of the ordinary and off radar and but not always super expensive. Take my gnome for instance that hangs out on the balcony of my studio he has almost gotten himself a fan base after The Selby shoot. There is something a little wrong about him that makes him work if that makes any sense at all. Take a punt, and a risk and opt for the odd thing (not many things mind as you don’t want a crazy pad) that feels not only adventurous but takes you out of your comfort zone. Also only please yourself don’t give two hoots about what neighbours, freinds, and family think (goodness knows how much ribbing I’ve gotten from extended family over the years) do I care – nope. Playing it safe is boring and if our homes are where our hearts are why on earth would we want to live in places barely decorated or feel so much like show homes you can’t imagine anyone living there.
Me in my studio with the odd find that’s a little risky and pushes a few boundaries – my gnome for instance which doubles up as a light and should really be hanging out in an amusement park and the wooden head on my desk (quite hard to see) which houses my sunglasses.
APhotograhy Games Geer
Art is another great way of taking risks, it may not be everyone’s cup of tea but who cares if you love it have it.
Did cupboards get any cooler? Adding that element of differentness turns a space from ordinary to extraordinary in an instant
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After a year of following your blog, I finally did it – I went over to the dark side – only tentatively mind – but I painted a wall in my basement open plan kitchen living room in farrow and ball’s downpipe – my daughter and husband love it and it contrasts amazingly with my antique ochre glass wall lights – just one question – am planning to paint the shutters in my kitchen (the wall is in the living room section) – thinking of an ochrey (is that a word) colour – any suggestions? But seriously Abigail, thank you for helping me to be braver than I would normally be!!!
Yay congratulations welcome to the dark side. Am so happy that you love it – its a pretty amazing colour hey. I love the idea of an ochre hue – had a quick flick through F&B, Zoffany, Little Green Company for you but all their colours are more mustardish and not so good. Have a look at Sanderson they generally have some fab hues or even Dulux – those companies I just mentioned above are fab but have only capsule collections. Although hold on just remembered http://www.paintlibrary.co.uk – they have beautiful yellowish colours also if that fails they have a teal to die for which looks beyond amazing against down pipe and its a real pop of colour -but super sophisitcated.
I love that bedroom. It could go a little country except for the amazing artwork that totally makes it modern and funky and awesome! The black heart pillow also looks like a crazy face. Hilarious.
Hey i just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your interiors! Is there any possibility you can recall the colour of the antique pedestal table shown in your study? x
Thank you – its by Zoffany and called Tapestry Blue but I have a feeling they may have discontinued. If so fear not http://www.paintlibrary.co.uk do a very similar hue called Teal