Lately I've been getting a lot of questions from clients asking for my advice about buying the right accessories for their home and how to handle designers that tell them what is best for their home.
First, I must tell you I've never been a traditional designer and most of the times I sway the other way of how other designers think. When I was working with an Architectural firm in Miami we were working on a rather large project, I worked closely with the clients and listened to what they wanted, what was most important to them and also found out what they did not want their house to look like or feel like. After many hours and many meetings with the clients we formed a great relationship and friendship. I had their best interest at heart and I knew exactly what they wanted.
A couple weeks went by and the architect and I were at a nursery getting plants for the outside of the home and I found the perfect topiaries for the inside foyer. In no uncertain terms I was told the firm would not purchase, let alone place them in the clients home as it did not fit the style of the house. I could not believe it! This was one of the most important accessory pieces the clients wanted. I took out my wallet and paid for the topiaries while a very nice gentleman at the nursery loaded them in my car. I turned around, smiled and said consider this my resignation. I went to the clients house and gave them the topiaries as a housewarming gift.
You see I believe that the best accessories, furniture, appliances or anything else for your home should make you happy, if you like it buy it. If it does not look right in the place you intended it for place it some where else. I do not believe that items should be selected soley based on the style of your home. At the same time I also think you should experiment with different areas of your home for the particular piece of home decor. You may be surprised to find out that the painting you chose for your dining room actually makes a statement and gives your bedroom the look it's been missing and the one you've been trying to achieve.
Choosing the right home accessory all boils down to using what makes you feel happy after all it is your home and you are the one living in it.
