Today is a day to offer a little constructive criticism and to plant a seed of thought in your mind for the next time you are decorating a room. I cannot stress the importance of editing when it comes to design. If there is one piece of advice I can offer to anyone it is to simply take a step back and remove a few elements from a finished room. The results of the completed design will be much more pleasing.

It’s like the words to the song that we all remember from our childhood:

One of these things is not like the others,
One of these things just doesn’t belong,
Can you tell which thing is not like the others
By the time I finish my song?

Did you guess which thing was not like the others?
Did you guess which thing just doesn’t belong?
If you guessed this one is not like the others,
Then you’re absolutely…right!

Below are a few examples of what could be a successfully decorated room if a few items were edited from the space. Take a look and see if you can identify what things just do not belong.

If the number of mirrors is reduced and a few are replaced with round or organic shapes it would feel more like a home and less like a retail space.  Also the number of pillows makes one wonder where they should sit.

What works is the color scheme, overall feel, and the intention of the design. Remove a few elements and it will feel more welcoming and less confusing.

Simply clear the coffee table and start over. The fresh flowers are on the right track however a pale yellow or white would better suit the color scheme. A simple vase of fresh flowers and the coffee table books would be all that is needed. Less clutter allows greater focus on the true elements that work in this space such as the rug, coffee table, and fabulous throw pillows.

How does one enter the seating area? There are too many chairs and certainly too many lamps. Pull two chairs off to the side and if needed they can be added later for extra seating when entertaining a large group. The number of lamps is a bit of an overkill as well. Two is plenty to create a subtle and comfortable ambiance.

What works in this space is the blend of natural textures and earthly colors. Floating the furniture in the center of the room to create a comfortable conversation area is another successful design element in the room. Personally I would remove the vases on the sofa table and replace them one of the lamps off to the side. Also, this would allow for a place to set your drink or add a few stacked books on the end tables.

I absolutely love this little fireplace nook…but I can’t see the fireplace! Everything works with one exception, there are too many knitted bags hanging from the mantle. Two would be plenty. Once again the fabulous throw pillows reappear but in a different color. Could this be a subtle message to myself that I need to find these for my own home?

Ultimately the rule of thumb today is to edit, edit, edit. If you find yourself over-thinking a few items then I suggest not using them. The basic phrase “less is more” is true when decorating with all design styles.

Who knew that rural Ohio was so beautiful? While traveling for business I found myself in the middle of farmland in Ohio. Rolling hills, lush trees and grasses, and flowers already in bloom are the ingredients in a recipe for an enjoyable afternoon drive. Just as I was arriving at my destination I saw a glimpse of a historic covered bridge out of the corner of my eye. Turning around and weaving my way through a small residential area that had a lovely rural feel I found this unexpected treasure….

Even the surrounding area was peaceful.

My only wish was that I had an actual camera versus snapping a few shots with my cell phone!

If you would like a a little more information about this bridge it can be found at The Black Covered Bridge.

Have you ever stopped to think about WHY you feel a particular response when you enter a space? Do you feel welcomed, comfortable, excited, are you drawn into a room for a particular reason?  If the space doesn’t feel right I’m sure you have even had  the desire to leave as quickly as possible or even worse you have no response at all.

There are many reasons people react to their built environment however one of the primary influences is color. What inspired me to take a closer look at color theory and therapy is the process of identifying a paint color for the guest bedroom. I am inclined to use the same shade of blue-gray I did in my previous home because I absolutely loved it (so did my guests that toured my home when they would visit). It was the perfect hue that created a calm and soothing environment ideal for getting a great night of sleep. Not to mention it also had the psychological affect of making the room feel cooler in temperature which was essential in a home without air conditioning.

According to color theory and color therapy the characteristics of blue evoke a sense of peace, truth, devotion, and sincerity. All things that we emotionally and intellectually associate with a safe and comfortable environment.  As I mentioned previously blue is a calming color that helps to relax nervous over-excitement and it also deterrs insomnia. It is even thought of as more soothing than the color green when it comes to a person’s emotional state. The muted or softer tones of blue are used for meditation which is a natural fit for a bedroom. Can you picture yourself in this bedroom? Does it provide a sense of relaxation? Personally I can see myself curling up with a great book at the end of the day.

If you are an introvert, it is also thought to help you come out of your shell. Dominant or vibrant shades of blue inspire communication and promote knowledge. It’s said to be connected to your throat chakra which is also your creative center. Figuratively speaking…it is connected to your voice. In this space the Tiffany Blue chairs around a large dining table perfectly suit an environment designed for communication.

Or can you see yourself gathered around this large island with family and friends? The gray-blue cabinets suit this space well. Evenings filled with great conversations accompanied by a glass of wine is what comes to my mind.

The next time you think of the color blue and the potential it has in your space take a moment and focus on how you want the room to feel for you and your guests. Is it a part of your home where you want to escape and relax at the end of the day? If so, be sure to pick a muted or softer tone of blue.  OR do you see yourself in a cozy environment that is ideal for talking with your friends and family? Then most likely you should choose a vibrant tone as seen in the example of the kitchen above.

Try opening the door to any tone of blue in your home and see how it not only transforms the physical space but also transforms the physical you.

Typically recipes and food are not a primary topic for me to share but I couldn’t resist passing along this great recipe. I came upon it while reading the May issue of House Beautiful and thought it sounded so simple and perfect for a Sunday night dinner.

Mediterranean Pasta with Fire Roasted Tomatoes:

The ingredients are simple. Plum or cherry tomatoes, dried seasonings that most of us already have in our pantry (Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, sea salt, and black pepper), and some olive oil. This would be great as a side dish or add chicken for a complete meal. So easy and it will definitely impress your guests!

Modifications:I used cracked instead of crushed red pepper and the recipe calls for Sicilian Sea Salt which I did not have therefore I used Mediterranean Sea Salt. I used what as already in my pantry and the dish was perfectly spicy (medium heat) and tasted great.

Tip: Try putting the halved tomatoes that you don’t crush under the broiler for a minute or two. The face of the tomato browns nicely and looks great once the dish is complete and on the table.

I set the table with my Williams-Sonoma pasta dishes complete with table linens and placemats. Much better than planting it on the couch in front of the television on a Sunday night!

Check out the complete recipe at McCormick Gourmet