Posts Tagged ‘debbi dimaggio’

6 rules of timeless home decor

Friday, April 8, 2022
Debbi DiMaggio

6 Rules of Timeless Home Decor

 A living room with timeless home decor

Some home decor trends come and go, whereas others have a timeless appeal. This results from some design elements following the following 6 rules of timeless home decor. Fulfilling one or more of these principles allows your decor to be both versatile and tasteful enough to fit easily into your home regardless of its formal features. So, whether you want to make a large home feel cozy or expand a small space, these rules should help you achieve your goal and still make your home exude a timeless charm.

 

1. Symmetry is key

A library with symmetrical arm chairs and built in book shelves

Symmetry is timeless.

 

One way to make your home decor stand the test of time is to keep it symmetrical. This is because we like everything to be balanced and aligned. It makes no difference whether you want your bedroom or kitchen to look affluent or minimalistic. Regardless of the particular decorative style you implement, the key is to have everything symmetrical.  Symmetry helps create the feeling of order and cleanliness that people associate with good taste. In that sense, it helps to have an even number of chairs, two pillows of the same color, identical cups or plates, etc. Having two of each or an even number of decorative items or furniture will allow you to place them symmetrically.  However, you do not have to have a pair of everything inside your home. For instance, you can have a certain focal point like a sofa with two armchairs on each side. In this way, you can complete the seating arrangement so that it is symmetrical. The same goes for arranging your mantlepiece or shelves. You can have matching vases on the ends and a central piece such as a sculpture in the middle. The idea is to create a mirror that will balance out the halves of the room or the structure. You can also apply the principles of feng shui to make your living space even more balanced.

1. Have a focal point

Speaking of middles, it makes sense to have an item focusing the viewer’s gaze toward it. So, next to keeping things symmetrical, you also need something that will leave an impression and stand out from the rest of the furniture. As we already mentioned, some furniture pieces naturally create a focal point in the room. Windows, beds, tables, and sofas are great examples.

A golden table in the center of a living room

A centerpiece helps create a focal point for arranging the rest of the decor around it.

However, timeless home decor has to have something in addition to these elements. Your primary weapon should be artwork, flowers, or technology. Hence, an attractive big-format painting such as a modernist portrait or a landscape comes to mind. Or, you can have a stereo or a record player serving as a centerpiece element of your living room.

 

1. Make use of classic patterns

If you want your living space to appear fresh and attractive in the years to come, you can rely on classic patterns. Ornamental elements are great if you are aiming for an elevated, elegant look, while botanical motifs such as subtle florals add a bit of softness. Other examples of patterns with lasting value are stripes and plaids, as they can fit into a variety of styles. You can also go for a more impactful design such as royal damasks if you want it to break the monotony.
On the other hand, you should be careful with patterns that you might get tired of quickly. For instance, chevrons, strong geometrics, and animal prints might seem like a good idea now. However, if they are too bold or occupy a lot of space, they might seem too ‘in your face’ after the initial infatuation goes away. Be sure not to use more than three distinct patterns in a single room. Also, if you decide to have patterned tiles in your kitchen or bathroom, mix them with plain ones to achieve a sense of balance.

1. Trends fade quickly

The very word trend points to the fact they are meant to have expiry dates. Many structural elements, furniture pieces, and decorative items look fresh only for a season or two. After that, they make the room look weary and dated regardless of what the rest looks like. The same applies to structures that wear pretty quickly. For instance, carpeting can completely suffocate the room after a few years. The same goes for trendy colors such as turquoise, coral blue, millennial pink.

If you are really drawn to a certain home design trend, keep it small and simple. So, instead of buying a lilac couch, buy a pillow in that color instead. In this way, you will be able to freshen up the room without committing to the color entirely. This kind of thinking will also be more financially and spatially rewarding. If you ever decide to move, having fewer things to pack will be easier if you do not have too many outdated items. You can be smart about packing and avoid packing mistakes if you think about design prudently.

A living room with armchairs, a sofa, and overhead light fixture

Classic patterns paired with monochromatic pieces do wonders for your living space.

 

1. Do not accentuate the technology

This home design rule can be tricky to follow in this day and age. Appliances and devices get larger and larger by the day, but there are ways to make them less intrusive. Electric devices also collect a lot of dust, making your living space appear shabby and outdated. For instance, some homeowners go for integrated pieces that have shelving with covers that hide the stereos, speakers, and game consoles from plain sight.

 

1. Invest in quality items

It makes sense to avoid buying cheap furniture and decor. High-quality materials and fabrics will go a long way as they remain functional and less prone to wear and tear. Of course, this does not imply you need to spend your entire income on furniture. Buy within your budget, but do not settle for low quality if you do not have to. This is one of the rules of timeless home decor that will help your home shine with tasteful, high-quality vibes.

Colleagues not Competitiors // It Pays to Be Kind

Saturday, January 17, 2015
Debbi DiMaggio

It is so important, from the very beginning, to choose an agent who is a team player and a collaborator, not a winner-take-all competitor. For any agent’s long-term success, he or she should cultivate relationships with other agents in the real estate community, not alienate them. We should all work as a team, rather than as individual islands. If one agent has the listing, another is going to bring the buyer; that’s just how it works, so it pays to be kind. ( Excerpt from our book, the Art of Real Estate, Residential Real Estate Hand Guide. )  [Read More..]

say no to good things // so you can say yes, to great things

Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Debbi DiMaggio
my life coach, ned kraft, shared these words with me one day while we were sitting in union square. as i listened, and repeated his words, i knew there was great truth in what he said.
we get so bogged down every day with our schedules, our children’s schedules, an assortment of appointments, invitations, community service projects, errands, events, fundraising, shopping and so much more.  many times we feel we have to say yes, yes, yes.  but truly what we should say is — yes — to really great things and allow ourselves to say no, more often.  it is very hard for me to say no, how about you?  do you say yes without consulting your busy schedule and your already over-committed life?
continually doing what is not working and always saying yes to everything, is what keeps us from saying yes to great things.  it is okay to say no, try it — with no excuse or feeling bad.  it is okay to turn away business or an invitation that doesn’t feel right, fit your schedule or that doesn’t appeal to you.
once you close one door, another door will open …. be aware of opportunities coming your way …. be ready to see, receive and accept these gifts
xoxo!
debbi

Hosting a Trunk Show – stella & dot

Saturday, August 28, 2010
Debbi DiMaggio

I hosted a trunk show for my friend launching her new career with stella and dot.  I never get to see her since she lives in LA.  So it was really fun to hang out and support her new venture.  Stella and Dot is such a fun jewelry line and prices are great too.  You don’t feel guilty if you indulge.  (That’s my dining room.)

MY SKIN CARE LINE // MODERN skin by Debbi DiMaggio

Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Debbi DiMaggio

If I’m not Multi-Tasking, I’m Simply not Breathing.  My skincare line stemmed from my passion for learning new things and creating new products.  I have a tee shirt line, I’ve designed a Elegant yet Comfortable Travel Line that Mix and Max called 7 Easy Pieces, A Travel Luxury Fashion Experience Service and the latest, my skincare line, MODERN skin by Debbi DiMaggio.  I couldn’t find what I needed exactly so I did a little research and I am happy to say my skin has never looked better.  Give it a try!  www.modernmomontherun.com SkinCare.   NEW WEBSITE / New Branding – www.MODERNESKIN.com

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