Lifestyle, interests shape uniquely personal style
What inspires you, and how can you use that inspiration as a starting point for decorating? If you aren’t sure how to relate your passions to your home decor choices, try taking a look at ways other people have shaped their homes around their lifestyle and interests.
In her newest book, Inspired By, Kathryn M. Ireland introduces her readers to the homes of 17 of her friends, an eclectic mix of artists, an equestrian, a chef/writer, a comedian, a magician and a Grand Dame, just to name a few. In Ireland’s own words, each of the friends featured in the book share three attributes: “They are innately creative, they have the confidence to be original and their homes express the consequences of living passionately and stylishly.”
I believe we all have a creative streak — or at least we did when we were children. Our upbringings and cultures contribute greatly to whether our natural imaginations blossomed or were silenced. The confidence to be original is intimately connected to whether our personal talents and passions were fostered or fettered.
Most often, it is easier to go with the status quo, whether it’s choosing a color for your living-room walls or reinventing your style to keep up with the current trends. So there are stumbling blocks along the way that have perhaps tuned out your inner creative voice — but it’s there.
I believe we all have a creative streak — or at least we did when we were children. The condence to be original is intimately connected to whether our personal talents and passions were fostered or fettered.”
By showcasing the dynamic interiors in
Inspired By, seeing how well they work with all their quirks, Ireland gives us the courage to go for it. The featured spaces belong to people who are too busy to listen to public opinion; instead, they make it.
Baby De Selliers is an equestrian and an artist, to name two of her many talents. White is her favorite color, like an invitation, a baker’s smock, white sheets and white socks. White is the color of a canvas that begs to be filled with other colors, other designs.
Shown here, the bathroom in her renovated home, which backs onto her stables, is packed with her character. Inspired by collections of natural things, the upper walls are filled with photos of a big catch. Navy blue and white are traditional favorites, a no-fuss combo that’s easy to live with.
De Selliers’ dressing room always brings smiles — the drawers of the bureau shown here feature hand-painted labels and motifs.
It’s notable that the gutsiest interiors don’t cost a fortune. There is a decided lack of expensive furnishings or rich finishes.
The home of Gaby Dellal features dadoes and moldings painted directly onto the walls, simple rows of shelving boards in the kitchen, a transparent flag hanging at the bathroom window, and frameless canvases pinned to the wall. It’s the unexpected that inspires Dellal, such as a conventional photo of her son turned to the side, or a neon sign hung high over the fireplace.
All of the homes in Ireland’s book are treasure troves — layered with furnishings, fabrics and mounds of accessories that collectively bring together the many aspects of their owners’ lives. These spaces have been created over time, as all good memories are, and viewing them will inspire you to do the same.
Debbie Travis’ House to Home column is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Email questions to house2home@debbietravis.com. Follow Debbie on Twitter at www.twitter.com/debbie_travis, or visit her website, www.debbietravis.com.