Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Design In Five: Wishful Thinking

Today's Design In Five guest is a fantastic blogger currently living in England.  Meghan's blog Wishful Thinking is a regular blog stop for me - I love her sense of style and her sense of humor!  We share a mutual love of travel and design, so we quickly hit it off when our paths crossed in blogland.  Let's take a look at Meghan's great take on Design In Five:

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From the moment Barbara first started this series, my mind has been churning with what elements I would pick for my ideal room! I initially started with about 15 elements but after some careful (and torturous) culling, I have finally managed to narrow it down to 5! So I'll let you see for yourself before I change my mind and add another 6 to the list!
1; 2; 3; 4;
Travel

I don't know if this is a design element as such but travelling is a huge part of my everday life - even when I am not travelling I am planning my next trip. My home would not be complete without these memories so I make sure that I am surrounded by maps and photos of places I have visited and cheesy trinkets I have collected along the way.

1; 2; 3; 4
Doors
I know that I am just one of many bloggers who share a fascination with ornate doors. Sadly, I think this is one design element that is often overlooked in overall designs. Since doors are generally the first thing that you see when entering a room, and one of the last things you see when exiting a room, they are just as important to me as a fabulous piece of furniture. Don't even get me started on door furniture... 



1; 2; 3; 4
Texture
A bit of depth can do wonders for a space. I am not talking about anything too crazy like textured walls (although they are amazing) or shaggy carpets - even something as simple as a tufted velvet chair or a battered rough timber coffee table can totally transform a space. Personally, I couldn't live without thick knitted woolly blankets and woven baskets which line every available space in my home!   

1; 2; 3; 4
Lighting
An obvious choice I know, but this is probably one of my most important elements in a room. A badly lit room will literally have me running for the hills! My idea of the perfect lighting consists of abundant warm table lamps, twinkling fairy lights and soft candlelight. I also wouldn't say no to a bit of 'statement' lighting (like those mason jar lights above)!



1; 2; 3; 4
Layers/Details

I'm certainly not a minimalist gal - I like heaps of organised clutter! It makes dusting a huge chore but I believe it is important for you to surround yourself with all the bits and pieces in your life that you love. I also love the fact that you can chop and change the objects in a vignette to suit your mood or season, nothing has to be permanent!

Thanks very much for having me Barbara!
I can't wait to see what everyone else comes up with throughout the series!

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Pretty amazing, right?
I definitely believe that travel is a design element and you know she got me with the doors!  I love the way she did collages for her design points...great idea.  And the layering - so key to making a room interesting and personal.  Nicely done.  I think you did a fantastic job - thanks so much Meghan!

I'm also excited to share that Meghan recently bought one of my products from Linen Haus.  She wanted something special to remember her time in England, and this vintage poster about the English Channel crossing fit the bill. 
Needless to say, I am thrilled that I could help!  :)



And...last but not least: 
I alluded to some big news recently, and I can finally share it tomorrow. 
Check back then for some fun updates!

21 comments:

Carole Poirot said...

Great post with some lovely pictures. I couldn't agree more with the textures, lighting, layering etc. and our doors at home are a real eye sore - unfortunately not one I can do anything about... Thanks for sharing xo

The enchanted home said...

Great post...so agree about the lighting and layering. Travel brings an interesting element to a room no doubt! And of course I LOVE doors! Beautiful print she bought from you too!
Thanks to you both.

Acquired Objects said...

Excellent post with fresh ideas love the layering and textures. Such beautiful images to back up her thoughts too. I now have a new blog to visit also, thank you for introducing Meghan!

Hugs!
Debra

Thoughts on Design said...

Fantastic points! I love that you put travel at the top of the list!
Travel can inspire, energize and, quite frankly, is food for a designer's soul.

Happy TUesady,
John

Brooke @ ShemmyShake said...

Love the travel pics! I have been wanting to incorporate maps or globes in my home for some time now. That was a good inspiration. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

love Meghan's Five elements especially the part about travel and having things in one's home to remind you of the places you've been..
lovely post...
best,
maureen

Jalon Burton said...

Morning Barbara and Meghan - I love you both!

This post has beautiful images (as always, Meghan)... your FIVE are ideal. Have a great day!

I Dream Of said...

Barbara I am dying to hear what your news is!

I'm especially loving Meghan's five. I found my self saying "yes" with each element. And yes, travel is definitely a style statement.

Teresa Hatfield ~ Splendid Sass said...

Beautiful post! Love the selections here, and the print is amazing.
Heading over to visit now.
Teresa
xoxo

lifeloveluxe said...

So hard to narrow down, but those 5elements are sheer perfection! I can hardly choose a favorite, but I love that travel was highlighted. It's seems to heighten the "richness" factor to incorporate something "worldly" into a space.

Just gorgeous! Popping by your blog now, Meghan!

www.lifeloveandluxury.com

classiq said...

Beautiful post! I really love and can relate to all the selections here. :)
Ada

homestilo said...

Great list Meghan! I am totally with you on all of these (and imagine how hard it was to narrow it down as you say)

A room with a view said...

Meghan's blog is one of my favorites.. I love these collages, each one of them..the idea of travel and maps add wisdom and the appearance that a space was designed over some time, doors as doors, as furniture or just propped up are favorite, too..layering is a must and texture goes hand-in-hand for added interest. Gorgeous pics!

Dusty Coyote said...

I love Meghan's blog!!! She has a great eye and always finds the BEST pictures! She's also really sweet. A blog not to miss.

Stacy CUrran said...

What a great post! I love her unique choices. Over to visit her now! Stacy

Tracey Ayton Photography said...

Oooooooh these are stunning photos! I agree with you about those ugly doors!! I love traveling through Europe as they have some of the most beautiful doors! As for lights, they are coming up with the most beautiful lights. Just love the sparkly lights in the picture. It's a bit like icing on the cake.

Carol@TheDesignPages said...

Great images and info. I totally agree with it all especially the layering. In my humble opinion it's the difference between outstanding and okay styling. Ooooh, I"m so excited about your news Barbara!

MJH Design Arts said...

So well done--it is extremely difficult to pare down to only 5 elements. Can't wait to find out what your new is. Mary

Sharon Lee Johnson said...

I loved this post - what fantastic design elements - I could relate to all five of them and such lovely pictures illustrating each one. I am not familiar with Megan's blog so will go and check it out now. x Sharon

Taylor Greenwalt said...

Great post! I cant wait to check out her blog. I can relate to all five points and love the images she used...

The Vintique Object said...

How cool to include travel and maps in the the five -- such a great way to bring in personality. I also love what Meghan said about doors being the first impression. So true! Why haven't I ever thought of it that way?
Glad to know I'm not the only one with organized clutter, I mean layers!

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