A popular way to decorate is to choose a “theme” and work it into the space. This is a great way to start your designing and build upon, but there are a few things to remember when putting your themed room together!
2. Think classy. Not tacky. Polka dots are wonderful in moderation, they can be a great pattern for an ottoman or upholstered chair; but don’t go polka crazy, try to add some antique clown dolls or banks and create a “circus” themed room. When you are thinking about themes, try not to be drawn towards “collectibles”. Dolls, teacups, clowns, cats, and teddy bears arent “themes”. Think more in the direction of “Caribbean Island” or “Hollywood Regency” and take creative steps to expressing these themes using colors and objects that portray that style or “feeling”, design-wise. For a Caribbean Island feel, use sand inspired colors with turquoise accents and star fish or sand dollar artwork. Then add some blue candles, white painted branches or brightly colored coral and paint your side tables in bright glossy white with blue glass knobs. If you prefer “Hollywood Regency”, upholster your queen anne side chairs in a deep gold and paint the frames white. Add a burgundy throw pillow and mount the Ung Drill mirror from Ikea offset to the left on the wall behind the chairs and an antique crystal chandelier overhead. A cherry side table with a stack of antique books and you’ve achieved your “theme” without over powering your visitors or allowing it to become “tacky”.
3. Themes in Business? Office spaces are under-used palettes. Forget cubicles and overheads. Think “theme” and create a fun, creative work space that fosters employee’s spirits. Take a cue from Google, whose headquarters were designed specifically to foster more productivity through carefully thought interior design. Take your company logo’s colors and apply them to the office spaces in new and unexpected ways. Create small spaces for employees to have private conversations, or small group brainstorming sessions. Have some fun, and use “what you do” to become the theme.
Themes can be a great foundation for your room’s design. Use your theme as a stepping stone to larger, more creative ideas on how to take your theme to the next level and remember, be creative, don’t be afraid of color and have fun!
1. Don’t over do it. When you choose your theme, think of how you want to express this theme. Select subtle, distinct pieces that will allow your theme to shine without over powering the space. For example, if you like animal prints, select 3 pieces to have the print on, say a rug, a throw pillow and a lamp shade. Then, coordinate the rest of the room with complimentary colors and maybe even add another, quieter pattern to allow the animal print to shine.
2. Think classy. Not tacky. Polka dots are wonderful in moderation, they can be a great pattern for an ottoman or upholstered chair; but don’t go polka crazy, try to add some antique clown dolls or banks and create a “circus” themed room. When you are thinking about themes, try not to be drawn towards “collectibles”. Dolls, teacups, clowns, cats, and teddy bears arent “themes”. Think more in the direction of “Caribbean Island” or “Hollywood Regency” and take creative steps to expressing these themes using colors and objects that portray that style or “feeling”, design-wise. For a Caribbean Island feel, use sand inspired colors with turquoise accents and star fish or sand dollar artwork. Then add some blue candles, white painted branches or brightly colored coral and paint your side tables in bright glossy white with blue glass knobs. If you prefer “Hollywood Regency”, upholster your queen anne side chairs in a deep gold and paint the frames white. Add a burgundy throw pillow and mount the Ung Drill mirror from Ikea offset to the left on the wall behind the chairs and an antique crystal chandelier overhead. A cherry side table with a stack of antique books and you’ve achieved your “theme” without over powering your visitors or allowing it to become “tacky”.Themes can be a great foundation for your room’s design. Use your theme as a stepping stone to larger, more creative ideas on how to take your theme to the next level and remember, be creative, don’t be afraid of color and have fun!
