Ozark Living

Give yourself permission Don't always bend to design trends and ditch what you love By Brad Koogler | Special to Ozark Living T rends change, and your style may change. Certainly, changing trends keep designers and retailers in business, but what do we do with our old stuff until we are able to replace it? Beyond an aesthetic appeal, trends may be dictated by advancements in technology. We have moved on from candlelight and wood-burning fi replaces to energy effi cient LEDs and central heat and air conditioning, or vented and unvented fi replaces for those looking to retain a timeless look. Pertaining to furnishings, as technology improves the materials improve so the look will change as well. Typically, no one wants to be reminded of the old and dated, so the style will change to refl ect the current mood of society. For instance, the space race brought us out of art deco and led us into the sleek rounded and polished look of the fi ies and sixties. However, these looks may linger. Just ask my grandma about her 50-year-old turquoise kitchen sink, which she still loves, and she will tell you that the trend will circle back to where it is considered retro and therefore cool again. HGTV might have you to believe that moving into a new home requires new stuff , all up-to-date with the latest styles like distressed barn-chic to a post-modern glam. While this does occasionally happen, aff ording the freedom to completely imagine the space to refl ect the entire vision of the homeowner, it is uncommon. For the rest of us moving into a new home, we will be decorating the space with the things we take from our old house. So, what do you do with your old stuff ? e key to decorating a new space with items you already own is to start with what you love. What are those pieces that you love to look at, make you feel comfortable, maybe want to show off ? Choose prominent locations off ering good sightlines and lighting to draw the eye into the room. Have multiple items and having trouble choosing? Or, a large wall that would otherwise feel empty? Try layering or grouping items to engage the eye and keep it interesting. Do you have an eclectic mix of colors and styles? Tie everything together with an area rug and throw pillows to pull the colors together. Drapes are also a great way to bring color into a room or to make a room feel cohesive and fi nished as well as enhancing the window and guide the eye to amazing views. If you can see into multiple rooms or areas from one vantage point, drapes are a great way to make room transitions fl ow but unique enough to have its own feel. Don't want to get rid of that dated, but super-comfy chair? Consider getting it reupholstered. With the millions of fabric options available, you can bring that orange plaid chair into the modern era with a classic feel. Also, never underestimate the value of a fresh coat of paint. Whether you decide to paint the entire room, an accent wall, use wallpaper, or paint a piece of furniture; paint is a simple and relatively inexpensive way to make anything feel fresh and new. Get professional help. Sometimes it can be diffi cult to identify why something just isn't working and a fresh perspective is a great way to have a breakthrough. Just remember, that if you do seek out the opinions of others, you are the one living in your space and the only real opinions that matter are your own. So, give yourself permission to rock that turquoise sink! Brad Koogler ABOUT: Brad and Amy Koogler own Selah Design Studio, a full-service interior design fi rm specializing in window treatments, furniture, art, rugs, and accessories and they are the founders of the Northwest Arkansas Design Association. Brad is a Veteran, business consultant, and licensed Realtor with Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette. GUEST COLUMNIST Living y you love to l prominent l room. Have otherwise fe interesting. Do you h an area rug a way to bring as enhancing multiple roo transitions fl Don't wa reuph why someth breakthroug the one livin give yourself McHaney & Faucette. 34 • MAY 2018 • OZARK LIVING

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