Painted floors are a staple of casual living

I sometimes see people in the street that exude a natural and effortless sense of style. As if their attire was just “thrown together” and yet was polished, although casual. A scarf casually put over one shoulder with a pair of well worn boots with a distressed army jacket over top a delicate flower patterned dress.  I much envy such people who have that sense of who they are so well defined that their wardrobe seems to speak volumes to their state of mind.

"speak easy"

I feel the same way about decorating. I am a firm believer in a “feeling” approach to the process of decorating one’s home. I do apply some design rules pertaining to the function of rooms or their ergonomics, but when it comes to the “pretty stuff” I am a bit more of a bohemian, letting the space grow into its own organically.

Mementos that make a house...a home

But I must put here a disclaimer: by no means am I trying to undo all the hard work that has been written about in books for many years about the need for symmetry and balance in decor, or about the juxtaposition of fabrics to create a layered look that is interesting, yet cohesive. Au contraire! Once learned, these concept then become assimilated and integrated naturally into the design process, without much thought.

My vision of decorating is probably also very much tainted by the fact that 3 young children are running around the house (actually two are and one soon will be as well) and that very delicate antique porcelain poodles would not sit pretty for very long beside my dining room’s credenza.

Mixed materials, textures, and periods are eponymous of casual living

It is also subject to my value system and my sense of taste which has me driven instinctively towards natural textures, various grains of wood, and scandinavian inspired aesthetics and design. Integrated together, these elements are conducive to creating a relaxed atmosphere, comfortable yet not to prim and proper. And that’s the way “we roll” in our house. But whether your style is more traditional, country, vintage, Shabby, hip and graphic, or contemporary, there is a way to create an environment that is effortlessly chic.

If you feel the way I do and would like to get in on the conversation…well on March 8th, I will speaking of that casual living and the tips and tricks (no hard rules here) to make an effortlessly chic home for “real” life at the Montréal location of Artemano. The conference is at 7pm and tickets are 10$ (ALL for charity!). Get all the details on their Facebook page. (Places are limited…that’s all I have to say about that).

photos: Gardener & Marks

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