There is a picture frame on my desk of my daughter from her high school dance competition which shows a mature young woman just about to leave high school and break into the world on her own. She is now in her second year of post secondary studies and the last picture I received from her was a few years ago at high school graduation. The little secret about this picture frame is if you open the back you will see a stack of pictures of her over the years that I have collected and added to as new ones are given to me. From her first pictures to graduation I can still see my wee girl in her face and I believe that no matter her age, I will always see traces of her wide eyes staring back at me from her first baby photo.
I have always been fascinated how certain elements in interior design become classic or vintage and other items simply get ugly or out of date. When you look at your decor, do you just see something dated or do you still remember the reason you purchased it in the first place? Does your eye for colour or composition still twinkle at the sight of your artwork or is it just hanging and forgotten above your mantle? If you are still able to see the charm in your hardwood floors or comfort in your furniture then it possibly still lights up your days.
I can visit a client who hasn’t changed their paint colours for 20 years who still LOVE their particular shade and have the next client cursing the hue she chose just a few months ago. I know a lady who has been in her brand new home since last June and has painted her kitchen and living room six times. Yes folks, I said six! Some colours become our classic favourites and are always with us – like me and the colour green. The nature of the green may change and waver but green has always been in my house just as the colour blue never will!
In design beauty is often in the eye of the beholder, there have been many clients who are changing out interior finishes only because a friend or family member told them to get rid of the outdated stuff. Listen to your gut on this because what is beautiful to you may be judged by someone else causing you to decide to get rid of something you actually like! A recent client had me in because her kids and another designer told her that her entire kitchen needed to be gutted to bring it up to date. This didn’t sit well with her as she truly loved her cabinets and guess what? So did I! We formulated a plan to help her update her kitchen and keep her funky retro cabinets and I am anxiously awaiting the results.
Even though items in your home and people in your life get older, it is still okay to see the beauty and individuality in each and every one. Some things may just turn into your favorite classics and have a permanent place in your life bringing back fond memories. You may tuck items away like hiding photos in the back of a frame so you can pull them out and occasionally walk down memory lane.
Kim Wyse is an interior designer with Carpet Colour Centre in Red Deer.
