Decor: Lessons on BoShab Elegance
You are an artist with a masterpiece within and BoShab Elegance is more than a decorating style, but a way to call forth that masterpiece. It’s an artistic, mix of furniture and accessories that inspire creativity and a passion for living. It’s for people who love history and savor memories, but live in the moment and remain unencumbered by…
anything.
Achieving BoShab Elegance is beautifully marrying two wonderful styles: worldly, eclectic Bohemian and comfortably, worn Shabby Chic. Having trouble wrapping your mind around it? It’s the freedom to be you. By using objects or furniture that trigger memories or bring comfort with things that ignite your imagination or help you feel you are part of the modern world and not stuck in yesterday, you are breathing life into your home. Still minimalistic (because too much stuff is stress inducing), BoShab Elegance is not stuffing a haphazard hodgepodge of belongings in a room. It’s creative placement of interesting unlike objects that remind you it’s good to be alive.
- Juxtaposing dissimilar styles is intriguing. Think vintage with something modern and wild. Like using a large 1940’s radio from a rummage sale as the backdrop for a modern French animal print chair. This is part of vignette in my living room. It reminds me of my father saying how exciting it was to listen to “The Lone Ranger” radio program when he was a kid. Hearing him talk about his good memories will always be one of my great memories.
- Neutral color pallets are a great canvas. Remember, you are an artist and you’ve got a masterpiece in you. The main components are your life and your personality. The Bohemian style calls for splashes of bold color. Red, orange and turquoise items like interesting vases, lamps or clocks are in the spotlight when placed in a room with earth toned walls and sofa. True BoShab decorators will have acquired at least one item from a rubbish recon. The colorful ceramic tray that holds my antique door knob collection is the result of a successful mission the night before the garbage was collected at my old apartment. It was on the ground leaning against the dumpster as if someone carefully placed it there just for me.
- Never buy a matching sofa, chair or loveseat. There’s nothing interesting or creative about these sets. Mix it up. A rather plain couch with straight arms and back means you can keep it for many years and never get sick of it. The wear may even improve the piece over time. Chairs and pillows can be modern, vintage, Turkish, whatever you love, whatever you already have, whatever you stumble over at a consignment store.
- Shiny metal and chipped paint. Another fantastic combination. You can put an ultra-modern metal lamp on a night stand with what my friend calls well worn funk. Translation: beat up wood piece with gouges and faded, chipped paint.
- A little on the empty side. Remember that too many items disturb the peace. Your masterpiece may be ready to emerge when you simply remove some things and rearrange the furniture. Voila! A totally different room.