Lynn Knight Jessee Design

“That which we elect to surround ourselves with becomes the museum of our soul and the archive of our experiences.” Thomas Jefferson-

What statement better describes our homes. When we first start out our homes are generally decorated with the hand me downs from our parents and relatives. As we grow we begin to accumulate things that are important to us, a family heirloom, a painting from a recent trip, or pictures of our children. Our homes begin to reflect who we are as we begin to surround ourselves with our experiences. One of the things I started collecting when I was very young was art. Not all of it is considered good art but it is special to me. A wonderful find at a garage sale, treasures from the flea and street markets of Paris, a wonderful one of a kind painting created by my children, books found in an old warehouse and a chair my aunt was throwing away. All of these items hold a prominent place in my heart and have become the archives of my experiences. Amongst these collectibles lies my greatest treasure, “my home”.

Priding ourselves on our creative differences, all of our interiors should take on our unique style, embodying all that we are, where we have been and the treasures we hold dear. We can combine the old and the new together by embracing the past and welcoming our new ideas and passions. This matchless mix can hold the secret to a unique and wonderful home that is full of interest, elegance and grace. Classic interiors to me are a freedom of expression, embracing who and why we are. One can find wonderful flea market finds, especially chairs, and use a great fabric to upholster them and create your own family heirlooms. I personally love eclectic interiors that combine the old and the new. After all, doesn’t that accurately describe our lives?

One of the biggest mistakes I think we make is settling on things because we can’t afford to do everything. In our fast paced society, we are used to” instant gratification”. I try and encourage my clients to buy things they will want to keep forever. Investing in a wonderful sofa or chairs that one can continue to reupholster is a sound investment. I have chairs that I bought over 30 years ago and I can’t begin to tell you how many personalities these chairs have adapted to in my home. I have dressed them in many different fabrics and used them in various rooms. Inexpensive furniture, just to get by is like throwing money away. It has no chance of survival. It also allows us to let our children destroy it, which gives them no opportunity to learn how to appreciate their homes. I try to encourage purchasing one great item and saving until they can afford the next great item. We can fill in with family heirlooms and antique finds. Amongst my greatest treasures is an old hand carved chair, $44.oo, I found hidden in a junk store. It now commands a special place in my living room and is dressed in a rich woven damask of soft coral. Don’t be in a rush, make your home an adventure, let it mature just as you do.

Believe it or not, your accessories can be almost anything. I once did a guest bedroom and I needed art work to decorate it. I had nothing and didn’t want to invest in anything for this particular space. I collected antique white handkerchiefs, framed each one in small antique gold frames, and hung them on the walls. I couldn’t believe the compliments I received. Of course framing them was a little expensive, but as my life moved in a different direction so did my little pictures, the little handkerchiefs became gifts and the frames now house new art treasures. “Waste not, want not”. Rule #5 “Recycle everything you can when ever possible.” “Be faithful to your own taste because nothing you really like is ever out of style”. –Billy Baldwin- I hope this week we have given you “carte blanche” {a French phrase used by English speakers to refer to full powers, delegation or blank cheque} on decorating your home. Just remember old furnishings can share space with your newest things. You can also mix the expensive with the less expensive in a subtle and quiet way. Most of all, don’t take your self too seriously. In most of the old European homes, there is nothing that was purchased at the same time. The interiors have evolved from years of living. I pride myself on never doing the same interiors for different people. We are all unique and different and our homes are but a mere reflection of who we are now and who we are becoming.