In recent years, creating a warm, comfortable, well-planned, and organized home has become more and more important. Some of us work from home either full- or part-time. Others telecommute and many have young children that are cared for in-home or at a daycare. Making your home a sanctuary where you feel safe when you come home is much more that putting good locks on the door!
More attention is being given to creating a space that's very personal—almost creating an extension of who you are. If you’ve seen a model home or a “staged” house for sale, it may be beautiful but it's often cold—without the personal touches that tell you who lives there. I’m not talking clutter: I’m talking using carefully chosen accessory pieces that say who you are.
Some of us are lucky enough to have treasures that have been passed down through the generations—how lovely for you to tastefully display them. My mother, Evelyn, loved to knit and she was very good at it. For many years I put her creations around my bedroom.
And some of us love to collect antique pieces. Making them a centerpiece of a room really says a lot about you. Many of you have children who love to create art projects. How lovely to frame them and put them on display.
Years ago, when Frank and I traveled in Africa, I fell in love with the local artisans who made donkey baskets and insisted that we bring one home. I thought Frank would kill me because I wouldn’t let it be shipped back to the United States; I insisted we carry it home ourselves. I still have it, and whenever I look at it I remember how wonderful that trip was. A house needs to be filled with memories, not just stuff!
Recently I was asked to consult on updating the home of a very prominent woman. She thought she knew what she needed. When I went to visit, I immediately saw the problem: it reflected someone else’s personality, taste, and lifestyle. Together we infused the home with personal touches, warm colors, and comfortable but elegant furniture and it all came together for her.
Tune in to QVC to see what's new Wednesday, September 18, 2013 at 2am. Can't wait, shop my collection of decorative accents now.
—Linda Dano