The Happiness Factor in Decorating!

Great Entryway with Lavender (see principles below)!

I was intrigued by this article in House Beautiful entitled “10 Ways to Make Your Home Happier”.  website Happiness is an important element in our daily lives and if there are ways to enhance it, I’m all for it. I know for me, the way I decorate and what I choose to place in my immediate environment does   make me smile and feel somewhat smug – important happiness factors. This list of ten is derived from different stylists, decorators and others – I thought the list was worth sharing even though there are some principles I am not as sure about as others – a sense of happiness is such an individual thing!

1.   Mix it Up - "The most interesting rooms mix cultures and periods," says real estate broker Royce Pinkwater. "I like to juxtapose high and low. It makes it more casual and homey."

2.   Choose Colors That Flatter You – Some colors just make you look better - lavender is supposed to be very kind to skin-tones.

3.   Decorate With What You Love – Stylist Craig Schumacher’s decorating look is layered: "I bought things I knew I'd never tire of, and I've found out that if you love something, you'll find a place for it." His living room is furnished with antiques and vintage pieces, including a faux fireplace added for its architectural interest.

4.   Remember the Power of White Paint - "White reflects light, so it sends off a wonderful energy, a prism of color that you aren't necessarily aware of," says designer Susan Noble Jones.

5.   Choose Furniture With Curves - Round shapes, such as a living room's lamp drum shades and coffee table, make a space feel inviting.  Upholstered furniture can be curvaceous as well!

6.   Keep Seating Neutral - Stay away from large pieces upholstered in a bold color or busy pattern — it will make a room feel heavier. "When the sofa is white, it feels lighter, more conducive to conversation," says designer Pat Healing.

7.   Make a Colorful Statement in the Entry - First impressions count. "I think you need to make a strong statement in entry halls — to give an indicator of what you'll see in the rest of the house."

8.   Include Some Whimsy - "Little surprises keep a house from becoming too serious," says contributing editor Frances Schultz. "It's fun to put items in unexpected places.”

9.   Go Bold in a Small Space - "The smaller the room, the more drama you need," designer David Netto says.

10.        Create Beauty by Contrast - The juxtaposition of humble and fine materials creates intrigue and keeps a room feeling interesting and attractive.

Source Article:  From a fresh coat of white paint to choosing comfortable, neutral furniture, decorating experts share their advice on how happiness starts at home. 
BY JEN DEROSE