One of the first shows I ever tuned into on HGTV years ago was "Room by Room", co-hosted by decorator Shari Hiller. One of her decorating tips in each episode was that every room should have a "touch of whimsy".
Why you might ask? Here are some reasons I like to add a touch of whimsy to rooms I decorate:
- It causes your guests to smile when they enter your room
- It is a conversation starter
- It sets your room apart from your neighbors room
- It keeps your room from being too serious
- It speaks as to who the homeowner is
- It shows you have a "fun" side
- It is unexpected
- Your guests will remember it
Last week I worked in a home where the homeowner definitely had an appreciation for whimsy. She had this fun sea otter sitting next to her fireplace when I arrived on the job. Once I discovered this vintage black straw hat with red roses and a similarly-decorated umbrella.....c'mon and admit it, you wouldn't have been able to resist either!
This touch of whimsy in a bright contemporary dining room serves as a reminder to the homeowners two teenage sons: "Ask not what your mother can do for you. Ask what you can do for your mother."
"Hickory Dickory Dock"........this shapely floor clock sits in my own home with a rubber mouse perched on its ledge to keep it on the lighter side (this drives my cat to craziness).
Please share photos and show "The Decorating Voice" where you have put YOUR whimsy!
Beth Batke
finaltouchesredesign.com
5 comments:
I used to love that show.. I'll keep in mind your advice! Thanks!
I really miss that show. I agree with having some whimsy in your home. That's where you get to show your personality and sense of humor.
I loved that show! I still always try to add some whimsy to each room. We should all be more unpredictable especially in our decorating.
Guess I'm the odd man out on this one - I really could not stand that show - they were kinda goofs and I was never WOW'd by their room designs which usually seemed kinda kitsch.
Having said that, I like the idea of adding the unexpected and even a touch of whimsy here and there.
Since I can't add a photo to this reply, you can pop over to my blog to see my touch of fun!
I LOVE this...someone who GETS my sense of whimsy!! I loved the old shows on HGTV and always thought THEY got me too! : )
Now? Not so much.
I have a mouse on top of my Grandfather clock...I have a mouse door in the dining room with a little brown mouse knocking at it...such as that!
I think whimsy adds some unpredictable charm, lebity and can really add the homeowners personality into a house.