Today I'm excited to share with you a little peak inside of Ana's very groovy pad. She's collected and decorated her way into a posh, bohemian home worthy of note taking.
Having lived in an open-plan apartment of my own for the past year, I can appreciate the challenges Ana faces in the configuration of her own home. Spaces tend to become lost amungs the chaos of furniture, clutter, and shelves if you're not a carefuly planner. I noticed Ana has anchored each space with tight gatherings of furniture to create zones. Even the art on the walls helps each living area feel separate from the next.
I D E A S TO B O R R O W :
Want to make your television less conspicuous?
Try arranging a variety of large and small art around your television set. This trick keeps the eye from settling on your big black moniter. Instead, your television will seem more like just another part of the art on the wall.
If you're in need of large statement art pieces on your walls, but can't afford one, try hanging tapestries or quilts instead.
They are great graphic pieces that can really anchor an entire area of your home. I love how Ana has hung a tapestry over her bed, where a headboard would normally be. I've been living headboard-less for a while, and tried something similar. I loved the way it made the space seem cozier.
M O R E I D E A S T O B O R R O W :
Don't be afraid to mix decades!
This is my favorite decorating technique. It keeps a space from feeling stale, and is an easy way to mix lots of meaningful objects. If you are worried about everything not meshing well, just be sure you are only including very beloved pieces and balance each space with a little bit of each style. Rearrange things frequently, until you get it just right. And in my opinion, you'll never get it just right. But that's the joy of making a home! It's all about the process.
If you need a little more bohemian coziness in your home, try hanging portieres, or curtains, in doorways.
I've been contemplating doing this in my own home. You can use pieces of fabric, actual curtains, or even large scarves. It's also a great way to visually separate spaces that are open to one another.
If you like color, but are afraid of getting too crazy, stick with mainly neutrals for your walls and furniture.
Then, you can mix in colorful art, rugs, and pillows to brighten up the space. This is also a great idea if you're the kind of person who changes your mind a lot. Changing out a rug is typically a lot more feasible than purchasing a brand new sofa or console table.
If you're in need of even more inspiration for your weekend, check out other Inspired By: Fridays posts here. If you're looking for home related inspiration, feel free to browse Here's Lookin' at Me, Kid's home decor archives. You will find lots of inspiration from around the web, links to other great blogs, and even some images of my own home-in-progress.
Thanks, Ana, for letting us into your beautiful home!
Images courtesy of Ana aka Threadbare on Flickr. Click photos for original links.
Wow, she has a beautiful home! I absolutely agree with rearranging furniture until you find a scene you like, but I would recommend completely rearranging everything once in a while, just because. It's cheaper than decorating, and it usually reminds you of pieces you'd forgotten because thye'd been hidden/overshadowed by something else.
I LOVE the tip about surrounding the TV with wall art!
Posted by: Eleni Drinks Tea | June 03, 2011 at 06:50 AM
Oh my goodness, this is like a dream home! I absolutely adore all the pops of color and pattern. I think everything melds together perfectly. Her mid century furniture is just divine and I'm insanely jealous. She has incredible taste. Thanks so much for giving us a glimpse into this beautiful home.
XOXO
Posted by: AnnaBananaCupcake | June 03, 2011 at 08:39 AM
Such an awesome space! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Cheryl | June 03, 2011 at 08:42 AM
such a cool house. she really decorated it so well, those floor plans can be do tough to work with sometimes! thanks for sharing, and thanks for the great tips!
xx
Posted by: shelby h.k. | June 03, 2011 at 10:07 AM
I love all the color in this home! so very lovely!!
Posted by: Victoria or Justice Pirate | June 03, 2011 at 11:32 AM
Oh man. This is so wonderful and inspiring! Thanks for sharing, Mandi!
Posted by: Kara Haupt | June 03, 2011 at 12:23 PM
Such a wonderful home. Very useful tips to keep in mind as well. Thank you!
Posted by: Sasha | June 03, 2011 at 03:20 PM
wow this is gorgeous!
Posted by: grace | June 03, 2011 at 03:35 PM
I love all of it. So well curated. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Elizabeth | June 03, 2011 at 05:47 PM