Decorating Advice From Julia Child?

Although I’m not a real “foodie” I do like to cook, and have always admired Julia Child’s joie de vivre.  Recently, I came across the following quote from Julia in her book, “My Life in France” and I think her advice could easily apply to decorating.  She said:

” This is my invariable advice to people:  Learn how to cook — try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless and above all have fun!”

Here’s how I would apply Julia’s advice to decorating:

Learn How To Decorate — Do your research, tear ideas out of magazines, think about what you like (and don’t like), figure out what colours appeal to you, find a qualified Interior Decorator to help you get started.

(Source:  Fitzandfrolic.com)

Try New Things — find a piece (artwork, a favourite fabric, furniture, carpet) that inspires you and use that as your jumping off point.  This carpet in a room designed by Daniel Sachs, would have great starting point for this room design:

(Source:  House Beautiful Magazine)

Learn From Your Mistakes — We’ve all made a mistakes when decorating.  You know — those ‘what was I thinking’ pieces that fit with absolutely nothing you have, and ended up in the garage, or the colour that looked so uplifting on the small paint chip and screamed “I Am Yellow — Look At Me” on the wall?!!  Figure out what went wrong and move on.

(Source:  Google Images)

Be Fearless — Sometimes you just have to ‘go for it’ and make a leap a faith — or maybe just trust your decorator! 🙂

Have Fun — Decorating should be fun.  After all, your home should be the place you feel most comfortable.  If you aren’t having fun decorating it, what’s the point?

(Source:  Dailyphotowall.net)

So…Bon Decor, everyone, and if you need some help taking the decorating plunge, call Embellished Interiors for a consultation.