"We believe in home, that it should restore us from today and ready us for tomorrow" […] MAGNOLIA MANIFESTO
The founders
In Italy, they're known as the stars of the docu-reality show 'Casa su Misura' (Fixer Upper N.d.A.). Joanna and Chip Gaines have built a 100% recognisable identity under the brand name 'Magnolia Home'. I was instantly hooked by their approach to design, which favours restoration, DIY and traditional elements. I subscribed to Magnolia Journal as soon as I could! This magazine, styled as a diary (which in English is 'journal' N.d.A.), could have been a record of their work and the method used to make it. I was thrilled when it turned out instead to be a collector of projects and experiences, with a focus on the community.
Over the years, their communicative traits have evolved and consolidated in a really exciting way, but the content has remained true to itself. Some of you were so intrigued by the fact that I was reading an American magazine that you asked me: what are they talking about?
Narrative style
From the very first moment, it was clear that this magazine was a deliberate and conscious creation, fully conveying the Manifesto of the Magnolia Home founders. The topics covered are linked by a common thread, the main theme, which from 2017 (founding year, ed.) to 2019 was part of the broader framework of an annual theme. From 2020, this frame is recalled, but it's not until the final issue of the current year that it's fully appreciated.
Taking a theme as a starting point, projects and life stories are narrated with great emphasis on sharing experiences.
One of the key areas of focus is awareness – as an individual and as part of a community.
The 'Food' category is also interpreted in this light. Often combined with the 'Garden' sector to emphasise the authenticity of ingredients, it focuses on cooking and the table as a point of connection between people and between different communities.
But what about their design and style? Where does design fit in?
Design permeates the narrative, appearing in every aspect of a project. From inhabiting a family space to inhabiting a public space, but above all from a vision in the grand to one in the detail, leaving nothing to chance.
The 'Design/Create' category appears in all editions: what does it cover? Decoration and interior design. Also seasonal renovation and restyling. Projects of all sizes can be explored: from a wardrobe (Winter 2023), to creating a small, cosy space (Winter 2020), to a complex restoration project (Hillcrest Summer - Winter 2017).
MAGNOLIA HOME - Silos e Bakery
The emphasis is often on other designers, builders and architects in a way that reflects the values of Magnolia Home. This is where the 'lifestyle' elements come in. This category is a crossover where elements of food, the main theme, gardening and design can be found, making it feel real and present in the everyday lives of ordinary people.
Lastly, there are the usual contents such as the editor's letter and Joanna's reflective note. At the end there is a note from Chip, followed by the Manifesto. This is where the founders of Magnolia Home make their point. But even without these passages, you can see their values and their way of communicating. How is this possible?
Next week's feature, in collaboration with Giada, creator of @mielcafeco, a brand and web design atelier, will reveal how Chip and Joanna Gaines created an iconic brand that smells like home.
Travel and photography are a perfect match, and @studio_archi4's Instagram page showcases this beautifully. Michela shares her love for art, architecture, and culture through her breathtaking photographs.
Planning a trip that balances leisure and cultural experiences can be difficult, but Michela's page provides inspiration and ideas. Moreover, she skillfully captures even the most intricate details in her photographs. Join us as we explore the insights that Michela will share through her words and images.
Villa Favorita - Parco sul mare
Q. Why do you take photographs and what does photography mean to you?
A.For me, photography is hereditary and closely linked to travel. As a child, I had the opportunity to experiment with photography while on the road with my family. Over time, I became a photographer myself, following in my mother's footsteps. Since I first held a disposable camera, I've noticed that my observation skills have improved. Now, I have a more trained eye for my surroundings.
Q. The association between travel and photography started early for you. When you take photos, what do you focus on? Are you, like many of us, trying to capture the 'perfect' shot?
A. Light is really important in photography, especially when taking pictures of architecture or art. It's crucial to understand the lighting conditions when composing a shot: reflections, shadows, and sunlight can either enhance or obscure details. Travel photography is special because it is done in motion, to portray a motionless subject. To make sure I capture the essence of once-in-a-lifetime destinations, I just shoot without overthinking, embracing spontaneity. Digital photography gives us greater control over the final result. However, I think that capturing the 'perfect' photograph often requires a stroke of luck in seizing the moment.
Q. Do you also get to travel when that happens?
A. In reality, I'm a planner, but that's never stopped me from surprising.
Q. Do you have a destination in mind that has turned out to be a surprise for you?
A. Yes, and it is absurd because I have been ignoring it for years. I'm talking about Padova. It is ironic how we first become interested in faraway places and then discover that we are living near real jewels. The turning point came when the 14th-century cycle of paintings was declared a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site. This led me to take an interest in the city as a whole and I was able to draw up a list of palaces that must be included in a visit to Padua, first and foremost the University.
San Gennaro murales - Napoli
Q. Which, not for nothing, has just turned eight hundred years old. What is not to be missed, if you have a weekend to spare?
A. The Palazzo del Bo (known simply as 'il Bo' by the inhabitants and students of the University) is one of the oldest and most evocative palaces in Padua and the seat of the University. It is made up of several buildings arranged around two main courtyards: the oldest, dating back to the 16th century, and the 20th century 'Cortile Nuovo'. To walk through these spaces is to perceive the layering of history on stone: at the same time you have access to the magnificent Aula Magna and the world's first permanent Anatomical Theatre. Then you turn around and the 20th century area takes your breath away: monumental rooms decorated by the great exponents of Italian art under the supervision of the designer Gio Ponti. I found the Scala del Sapere and the Rector's apartments exceptional.
A leisurely walk around the city, crossing squares and stopping for an aperitif, will take you to many beautiful places. The majestic church of St. Justine, the Oratory of St. George, the Basilica of St. Anthony and the adjacent Scoletta del Santo. I could go on and on, discovering a richness in this city that I had initially underestimated
Q. Organising such a weekend gives me the idea of being very rewarding! However, when we only have a few days, we have to be very careful in choosing the destination. Do you have a method for choosing them and dividing the trip into stages?
A. The first thing to do is definitely to think about where to go, based on goals and fellow travellers. Word of mouth and inspiration from stories or online help to decide. For unusual feedback, specialist magazines are also very useful. The second step is to open a map. Now, don't think I'm going to roll out ancient scrolls, maps will do just fine, also because the aim is to calculate the timing. Knowing what to do and what to expect next, but especially knowing how much time separates one stage from the next, allows you to enjoy the moment. My research usually ends with the discovery of curiosities: experiences, monuments, buildings or whole villages that are not very common and are waiting for their turn to come into play and amaze. Guaranteed, the surprise is just around the corner.
Q. I see you as very curious, and this is also evident in the photos you share: a real travel journal. On your travels, have you ever found a building that was difficult to photograph?
A. Gothic cathedrals.
Q. A very straightforward answer! Maybe the amount of detail makes it hard to capture in photographs?
A. Actually, the most complex thing is where they are located. Very often, cathedrals built between the 1200s and 1500s are set like jewels in the city center. For this reason, the only framing you can use is wide-angle from below, so that you can only see the sky and the spires (if there are any). Each photograph is a communication of the here and now and the layering of the years. The construction sites of these huge monuments took years. The neighboring buildings clung to the building under construction in a kind of embrace. I am thinking of the Cathedral of St Vitus in Prague or the Cathedral of Naples. Even Notre Dame in Paris was surrounded by houses and palaces, at least until the 19th century. This is not the case with monuments built in the modern era. The question has been raised as to how a work is perceived and how it relates to its surroundings.
Cipro - Zaha Hadid
Q. Finally, I can only ask for your advice. What destination would you suggest for someone who wants to combine culture and relax?
A. I was particularly fascinated by one Italian region: Abruzzo. I found it interesting because it satisfies the desire for relaxation, with wonderful beaches and intense but beautiful hiking trails. But it also has a rich historical and cultural background to discover, or rather rediscover. In addition, the food and wine aspect, combined with the warm hospitality of the people, made it one of the best trips I have made in years.
I would have hours of conversations with Michela about the places she has visited, because I have the feeling that I can experience them a bit myself. And in a way, I can: her 'carpe diem' photographs, the combination of awareness and randomness, got us going with her. The opportunity to travel allows us to learn and takes us out of our comfort zone. So the choice to photograph architecture is a choice to tell not only your own story, but the story behind the destination of the journey. Architecture is a story of people and events, of styles and habits. And sometimes the most unexpected surprise is right behind your home.
So why not hit the road?
I'm waiting for you to tell me what the guidebooks don't, to tell me about the most beautiful buildings in the area where you live or the unforgettable experiences you've had by chance. You can write here or tag me or Michela in Instagram stories. Let's share some beauty!
What does restoration mean and what is its context? Often in conversation it would come up that my interlocutor's grandfather or relative had restored the so-called 'casa vecchia' in Veneto, also known as the 'casa vecia'.
Are we sure that the operation was a restoration, or was it a restructuring? These terms are often used interchangeably, but in fact, their meanings are very different.
Starting from the definition!
Restoration - noun [ C or U ] : Restoration is the process of conservation and reintegration, as far as possible and especially where appropriate, of the damaged elements of buildings and monuments, the aim being to preserve the original structure and design of the building or monument. This also applies to works of art, furniture, objects of artistic, historical or anthropological value, books, and manuscripts.
The current trend in restoring artifacts and works of art is towards conservative restoration. Unlike historical restoration (which aimed to remake works with often substantial modifications) conservative restoration aims to respect the authenticity of the works and, in some cases, reconstruct missing parts. Specifically in architectural restoration, interventions aim to preserve the building's functionality.
restructuring - noun [ C or U ] : Restructuring involves making interventions to partially or completely transform a building organism. This entails adding, removing or modifying installations and structural elements with the aim of achieving a more efficient and appropriate building.
Restructuring can take place in various forms, such as changing the structure, facilities, and equipment, to improve, expand, or even rebuild.
Where is the doubt?
Choose your context: the outskirts of a city, full of neighborhoods that have been there since the early post-war period. The town is populated by a succession of rustic courtyards and houses converted or built during the economic boom. The rural landscape is dotted with rustic cottages and barns full of character, some stripped of their atavistic charm by recent interventions, others in a state of complete abandonment.
These areas and the typical buildings found in them are where "Granny Houses" come from. These homes are often full of memories and have a very personal charm.
Pay attention!
Heritage areas do not offer discounts, and being part of a protected area is not a defining characteristic of monumental mansions. It is also important to protect minor architecture, including abandoned gems such as old houses. Depending on the level of protection, various interventions can be made. You can still have your dream home, but with a rich historic appearance.
Follow the page to learn about the phases of Restoration and Restructuring, and follow a practical case step-by-step! Remember, the level of protection for a building is public information. To find out, consult your municipality's website. If you have any questions or need clarification, feel free to contact me here.
Archireaders - Lord of the Rings
Is architecture in the fantasy world a background element or a protagonist?
As an avid reader of fantasy books (and also romantasy), I have often wondered about this. The fantasy genre, in particular, has many sub-genres based on themes and atmosphere. Analysis of fantasy as a literary genre began in the 1970s, with a focus on form, psychology, and socio-cultural components.
In this case, I propose to share an architectural analysis of the story with you.
Have you ever experienced a moment's greatness due to its context? This can be the case in the cinema, where music and images are at the height of their evocative power. It can happen in our minds when reading, igniting imagination.
Imaginary dimension
The Encyclopaedia Treccani states that “the imaginary dimension reclaims territories it had previously abandoned”[...] The narrative takes place in this direction. Even in realistic settings, there is a fantasy component. How is this possible? Do you remember how to enter the Ministry of Magic in London? It is usually banal but also magical, bizarre, and fantastic.
Today I would like to focus on something more 'visible' and offer you a short passage from Lord of the Rings.
“[...]The Hobbits believed that their first dwellings were the caves, which they still preferred. However, as time passed, they had to move elsewhere. They called these long tunnels 'smials'. Since smials could not be made everywhere in the plains and hollows, the Hobbits were forced to build above ground. Now, buildings of wood, stone or brick stand even on the hills and in ancient villages like Hobbiton or Tuckborough, or in the county seat, Michel Delving.[...] The Hobbits gave their own character to the art of building, which they had learned from the Elves and Men. They did not want any towers, and their houses were all low, long, and comfortable. The oldest type was an imitation of the smial, with thatched roofs, dry grass or moss, and slightly curved walls. Hobbit architecture's only remaining peculiarity was the circular shape of the windows and doors. Houses and caves in the Shire were large and inhabited by large families..[...]
Prologue - About the Hobbits J.R.R. TOLKIEN - THE LORD OF THE RINGS - Trilogy ED.BOMPIANI Italian edition by Quirino Principe Introduction by Elémire Zolla Printed June 2000
What are you imagining?
Discussing LOTR (Lord Of The Rings) should not be underestimated. A universe has taken shape within these pages. Written in the 1950s (recent isn't it?) it is considered the best-known example of High Fantasy. This subgenre of fantasy is characterized by a meticulous setting based on both atavistic legends and entirely imaginary elements.
It is enough to read a part of the prologue to enter the world of the book. We are not even in the narrated story when some of the characters drawn resemble the context in which they live.
Who are the Hobbits? Oh, simple creatures, as you can see from their architecture. They have learnt to build from the Elves, but have adapted it to their own unpretentious needs, retaining only one particular character. And here we know we have answered the initial question: architecture is background or protagonist? Here, undoubtedly the protagonist.
As soon as we read the first words of The Fellowship of the Ring (the first book in the trilogy, ed.), we meet the Hobbits and know everything. Playful, simple, dedicated to community = comfortable architecture, organic materials, welcoming spaces. I can already see an inspiration board in your head. And did someone say cottagecore?
Are setting and story always linked in LOTR? What happens when the protagonists move? How are the other places in the book described?
If you are looking for gentle fantasy inspiration for your space, let me know which books you are thinking of. For a chat in front of the fire or to turn projects into reality, you can find me here.
In the meantime, try to answer this question: Why do we often think of fantasy architecture as Gothic?
Creating spaces that look like us - the steps and the method
Have you also noticed, almost unexpectedly, that psychology pervades every aspect of our lives? It seems that everything, even objects, is capable of communication or influence and, above all, that everything has value on a mental level. Has it become fashionable in recent years to ascribe meaning even to what is considered trivial?
Sometimes I thought that it was all a bit exaggerated, overexposed, dense. But my work has made me think about the relationships between objects and people. Especially in a familiar environment, you can go through 'phases' that lead to it being shaped by the people who live in it.
So, at the beginning of this year 2024, when I took down the Christmas decorations and found myself in a suddenly "empty" house, I had the urge (again, as my family will tell you) to change the decorations. 'Change' in the colloquial sense of the word: it means spending mornings or afternoons moving the sofa, table, dresser and so on. I was in the middle of my 'new beginnings' phase. To be fair, this is a recurring phase for me: I love the seasonality, and it's also an opportunity for me to rethink my home scene. January, the first month of the year, combined with a Christmas-tree-free living room is an irresistible time.
What's the best way to redecorate your home?
Functionality is essential and forms the basis of an environment that works. Linear paths between doors and windows and well-defined 'living' areas are the real translation of usability. To this must be added experience: because I live in the space I am changing, I know where I want to go and I know where to move furniture to make it comfortable.
Aesthetics is what makes you love your space. The right vibes have a huge impact on mood, morale and lifestyle. Aesthetics is subjective and I believe it is not synonymous with style, but rather personality. What evokes an emotion in one person may not convey anything to another.
So what leads us?
A balance between the design of practical furniture and the warmth of the emotions conveyed by objects full of charm. And it is this combination that often leads me to include vintage furniture in the spaces I design. They tell a story and communicate on different levels: personal, in the case of restorations, historical, evoking bygone eras.
These characteristics are able to speak to any style of decor and at the same time be personal.
Who decides to renovate?
Those who choose to improve their living space are often going through a transitional period in their life, which is reflected in their surroundings. One can find themselves in three recurring phases, depending on their character.
"New Beginnings" Phase
Moments of restart are often associated with certain times of the year, such as the beginning of a new year, seasonality (especially spring or autumn) or personal events that affect one's way of life. In January, it is common to feel overwhelmed by the lack of decorations and to start rearranging the house to figure out why it feels so empty.
“Passionate” Phase
The homes of people in this phase are constantly changing. Those who live through it express the passion of the moment, even in their decor: they may change the colour of the wall or the theme of the paintings. They may decide to upholster the sofa, change the cushions, use only one type of lighting, from candles to LED strips. Or all of the above. It can last for a season or for years, reflecting the character of the person who lives there.
“Nostalgic” Phase
Once furnished, it is forever. Changing or moving anything is taboo, as if the furniture had been nailed to the floor by the memories built up in those rooms. Even painting the walls a different color will clash with the indelible image in the minds of those who live in that space.
These three phases overlap, intertwine, or follow each other. They reflect what we were discussing earlier. Space has an influence on us after we establish a relationship with it, even if it's just by starting to live in it. Therefore, it is a bit of a stretch to group all decor preferences into a predefined style. Fashion has always had a significant impact on us, but we have our own unique style that cannot be perfectly matched by any particular trend. Each phase we go through carries its own significance, and in some cases, making changes can be challenging.
In such situations, colour can be a viable solution. It can introduce novelty in a subtle way and evoke specific emotions. For instance, consider Pantone's choice for the colour of the year 2024: Peach Fuzz. This hue conveys kindness, solidarity, and sharing. Impressive for just one colour!
How can we choose the right furniture and freshen up our surroundings? Click here to find out how to redecorate on a budget. For bespoke furniture, contact us here or follow our Instagram for budget-friendly and seasonal suggestions.
Walter Time - Theodore Shapiro, The secret dreams of Walter Mitty OST
Long nights before Christmas
Q & A TOGETHER FRANCESCA - A_LOOK_TO_THE_ALPS
To mark the shortest days of the year, the holidays and the winter solstice, I interviewed Francesca, creator of the Instagram page @a_look_to_the_alps.
Her words are about ancient traditions that echo to this day and become our own. By capturing the wintry magic of this period through her images, Francesca leads us to the discover - or rediscover - a way of enjoying the festivities in contact with nature and ourselves.
How can we spend these days intentionally? What are our favorite traditions? What minimalist and slow decorations can we use in our home?
I will leave you with Francesca's words. She has also left us an old recipe to celebrate this season.
Q. What does this season mean to you?
A.Yuletide is a magical time for contemplation. It is the winter solstice, also known as Midwinter according to the Wheel of the Year. The longest night happens on or around 21 December when it lasts the longest. The Wiccan tradition celebrates the cycles of nature, including the birth of the young Sun God. In other Neopagan traditions, the Holly King is defeated by his lighter aspect, the Oak King.
Q. What are the traditions and decorations that symbolize the Winter Solstice?
A.Symbols such as candles, festivals, and evergreen decorations serve as reminders that light and life persist despite the harshness of winter. Bonfires were also a significant aspect of Winter Solstice and Christmas celebrations. Our ancestors believed that bonfires could ward off evil spirits at night. In other cultures, firelight was believed to help bring sunlight back into the sky. It is customary to clean the house and get rid of unwanted items during the Yule celebrations. This will help prepare for the new season by creating a space free of negative energies or memories accumulated over the year.
Foto by Francesca - @a_look_to_the_alps
Q. The tradition of 'getting rid of old things' reminds me of those who symbolically throw items out of the window on 31 December. This somewhat extreme gesture recalls the idea of making space for what will come with the New Year. How do you celebrate this season?
A. The upcoming Winter Solstice is a perfect time to reflect on the past year and start thinking of what you want for the year ahead. Personally, I try to spend extra time with my loved ones and family. I also use this time to plan how to achieve my goals. Yule is a period of introspection for me, where I reflect and think about what I want the upcoming year to be like. There are several ways to celebrate this season in your home: It’s nearly impossible for me to describe all of them. However, it is important to note that many of our modern practices, often without much thought, have their roots in ancient solstice traditions: the Christmas tree, lights and gift-giving all have historical significance.
Foto by Francesca - @a_look_to_the_alps
Q. Do we unconsciously return to old traditions at Christmas? You previously mentioned seasonality. Do you decorate your living space? If yes, what kind of decorations make you feel at home?
A.For some years now, I have been using my Instagram page @a_look_to_the_alps to raise awareness for a more conscious, minimal, and slow Christmas. This is the time of the year when I feel most out of place. Unlike the other houses in my street, my house has no outside lights or garish decorations. Instead, I prefer to collect pine cones and dry branches from the forest to use as decorations, along with paper bag stars. I choose beeswax candles instead of electric lights. I simply say 'nothing' when asked what I want for a present. 'Weird' is the word my family uses the most. Living a minimalist lifestyle can be challenging due to societal expectations. I used to question my desire to live simpler when judged and criticized. Our culture has instilled in us a “fear of missing out”. This leads us to keep busy by constantly planning and filling our lives with unnecessary things. One of these things is impulse buying. Let's also talk about overspending on Christmas dinners and the 'gift rush'.
Q. Many people think back to their childhood at this time of year. What kind of memories does Christmas bring back to you?
A. I reflect on how my parents, like myself, were imperfect people. Despite their imperfections, they loved deeply. I also consider how our holidays, much like our lives, were simple and imperfect by social media standards, yet still beautiful.
Foto by Francesca - @a_look_to_the_alps
Q. During this time of year, it is common to feel overwhelmed with a long list of tasks and social events, not to mention the anticipation of the Christmas season which seems to start earlier every year. As we approach the end of the year, every step and stage is filled with hope and anticipation. How do you manage these emotions?
A. I wonder: as we approach the busy holiday season, how can we simplify our lives and make room for the joy of celebrating with loved ones?
Lights and parties can be helpful, but they can be ineffective if we use them as distractions. Let us not deceive ourselves that there is light when it is actually darkness. The Buddha teaches that suffering arises from craving what we want and avoiding what we dislike. Are we using bright lights to avoid the darkness?
Let us take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the night: the stars, the moon, and the wildlife such as deer, foxes, and owls. Like the bear and the groundhog, our bodies seek rest, while our souls enjoy the time of dreams in the darkness.
Foto by Francesca - @a_look_to_the_alps
Q. Would you like to share with us something typical of this period?
A. I leave you with the ancient recipe for Yule Wassail, with the hope that light will always shine both inside and out.
Q. What is the story behind this recipe? Is it also the origin of a modern Yuletide tradition?
A. The term 'wassail' originally meant to greet someone. The concept of 'wassailing' dates back to pre-Christian fertility rites. During these ceremonies, villagers would walk through fields and orchards in the middle of winter, singing and shouting to drive away spirits that might inhibit the growth of future crops. They would also pour wine and cider on the ground to promote earth fertility.
Over time, the concept of wassailing evolved into carol singing, which became popular during the Victorian era and is still practiced today in many nations. If you believe your family or friends would enjoy starting a new musical tradition, why not gather them together to go wassailing for Yule?
Foto by Francesca - @a_look_to_the_alps
Francesca told us about 'wassailing', an old tradition. But even in our modern times, at Christmas time, a group of people may have walked down your street singing carols. I don't know how many towns still do it, but where I grew up it was called "Chiarastella" (literally "bright star"). The nostalgia, that is often present around Christmas, brought back many childhood memories. Among them were the wonderful evenings spent singing from house to house. The tradition of singing together, involving whole streets and villages, has always warmed my heart, regardless of the type of song and the ancient ritual that gave birth to it. It is a time of belonging, of sharing, and in the eyes of 'me' as a child, a time when quarrels and problems fall silent. On the contrary, the houses often opened up to the group of cold people, they improvised snacks or dinners, went to the cellar for wine, salami and bread. It was a celebration.
This year I wish you that kind of celebration, where time, songs and good food are shared. Where we see everything with a little extra magic, like when we were children and walked at a slow pace to fully savor the beauty of this season.
Sometimes a breath of fresh air is exactly the thing we need to refocus and see things with a new perspective. We often think that a complete makeover is the key to bring something new to our home life. We look around us and what were once shiny new objects, newly installed furniture, particularly fascinating DIY projects, have now somewhat faded into the background of everyday life.
Whilst living them has also made them familiar, we miss that sense of excitement given by having brand new pieces of furniture.
To regain that 'holiday' feeling of a new setting, you don't always have to buy every single item on your wish list. Small changes can be enough to bring a breath of creativity and a new perspective even to the room you live in most.
Where to start from?
New arrangements!
Rearrange the items you use most, taking advantage of another point of view. You could move the sofa to the opposite side to create a more defined living area. Or change the side where you sit at your desk or the position of your favourite armchair. If you live in a small room where you think nothing can be moved, give it a try anyway! Very often seeing the result instead of imagining it shows you that it can be done!
Where does the eye drop?
When entering a room, figure out what the main focus is. Here is the first thing to change! You can replace the picture hanging on the sideboard with an ensemble of photos. Or instead the color of the flowers filling the vase in the center of the table and you can even move the wall clock.
Move your carpet!
Rugs help define areas of the home even in open spaces and draw the eye by highlighting the furniture. Consider placing one under the table to focus attention on the dining area. Or you can try placing two rugs in the living room: this will create a lounge area, including the sofa, and a more intimate area near the bookcase or window.
Do home shopping
Swap the place of your favorite objects: the fruit bowl can move from the kitchen countertop to the center of the table. The dear old vintage knick-knack could become a paperweight on the coffee table. And speaking of carpets, take them out or put them in, depending on the type of heating you have. We're all familiar with the (fake) bearskin in front of the fireplace: it's a little bit old money and a little bit mountain chalet, but it doesn't go so well with floor heating. In this case, a bare floor is better for optimal temperature. In case of a romantic evening, go for a lavish chaise longue.
What to keep in mind?
Keep it simple
Create an 'emptying' space. It can be a drawer in the entryway cabinet or a dedicated box in which you can put your keys, mail or whatever else you need when you leave or return home. It will help you keep the hallway free of the thousands of objects we hold in our hands when we walk through the door. You can also decorate it by hanging a mirror for a last look before leaving or a lamp with a warm light to soften the winter evenings when you return home.
Clear the shelves
Open bookcases and shelves can be great pieces of furniture or become dust nests overflowing with objects. A solution is to rotate the books, photos, vases and knick-knacks on display: highlight something that has never been on the bookshelf and save the rest for when you need to change. This simple rotation helps to maintain order, makes cleaning easier and is pleasant to see a bookcase that always seems to be full of new objects.
Good morning and good night
The bedside table holds the bed book we sleep on at night, the bed lamp, the water bottle, alarm clock, smartphone, charger and so on. Trying to switch off the alarm clock in the morning by knocking everything onto the floor isn't a happy wake-up call. Keep a basket or box next to or under your bed to put the bulky things you use often: your bedside table will stay clear and neat, and the few items in sight will give you a sense of order and calm.
Quite often we are absolutely sure that we have to buy something in order to have a TV-like home. However, a mini-project can sometimes give more satisfaction (and results!) than it appears.
And if you just don't know where to start, make a call! We at Leaf&Timber are open for restyling consulting even without replacing furniture. Try it for yourself!
