I’ve always been inspired by Thom Felicia’s unique way of bringing together eclectic interior spaces with such fluidity.  I’ve followed his career on television as part of the “Fab Five” on Queer Eye For the Straight Guy and his current role on Dress My Nest, and was fortunate enough to meet him in person.  I’m very excited about his first solo Book Thom Felicia Style which showcases many of his great design theories.  Thom breaks down his design philosphy into a list of ten tips which I can totally identify with as an interior designer who loves to mix and match styles and textures to create a personal style for my clients.  Most importantly; Tip #1: Lay Out A Plan.

I always encourage my clients to understand the importance of starting with a furniture layout plan.  It’s the birdseye view of a floor plan that allows me to look at a space and instantly tell whats right or wrong with how the furniture is laid out.  With the use of standard dimensions for items such as sofas, chairs, dining tables, area rugs and smaller items, I can determine how to best group  furniture before anything is shopped for or selected.  The most important thing to remember is that the furniture layout has to work.  By work I mean that it has to allow the right amount of walkthrough space in the traffic flow areas that are necessary.  There also needs to be consideration for focal points in a space that will impact if the furniture layout will work in regard to exterior views, fireplace and television locations to name a few.

Thom’s Tip #2: Light Up Your Life touches on points such as using more fixtures with lower wattage to balance light around a room and the use of dimmer switches.  The right lighting plan can make a huge impact on your interior space with the correct amount of layering different types of fixtures and bulbs.  Even if you’re not starting from scratch on designing a space, it is really worth it to hire an electrician to help you add subtle layers to your existing lighting such as adding dimmer switches, art lights above your existing artwork or under cabinet accent lighting.  Instead of going with the traditional overhead vanity light in your powder room or bathroom, why not hang single ceiling pendants centered above each sink?

Here are a few more of Thom’s tips that I completely agree with:

Use just a touch of your favorite color combined with complimentary neutrals instead of saturating a room or space in that color

Mix different materials and textures with the use of fabrics, wall coverings and rugs and never be matchy-matchy

Go big with artwork that is large in size or create a large grouping of smaller photos or paintings that you really love

What a difference it can make to edit your existing furniture, artwork and collectible pieces.  A few great pieces that are important to you will allow you to really appreciate what it is you love about them.  If you have too many pieces dominating a space  it can cause them to get lost and it takes away from their beauty .  There really can be too much of a good thing.

If you start with knowing how you want your space to feel and include reflections of your life’s passions

and priorities then the end result will be uniquley yours.  See some of my clients’ personal styles and check out Thom’s book for more inspiration!

IN-STOCK 
ZA164/50550

Twin Bed Blanket Clearwater Camp 66×84

Retail for $ 78.00
20% Discount
Sale Price- $ 62.00

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ZB286/50773

Merino/Royal Stewart 54×72

Retail for $ 98.00
20% Discount
Sale Price- $ 78.00

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ZC322,50526

Motor Robe-Autumn

Retail for $ 70.00
20% Discount
Sale Price- $ 56.00

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SMD-8505-FT-WI
Hand Forged Iron Fireplace Tool Set- 45Hx18Wx18D
Retail for $ 419.00
35% Discount
Sale Price- $ 270.00

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French Country Toile Pillow  F. Schumacher Fabrics

IN-STOCK
Hand Made Toile  Throw Pillow 20Lx18W, Colors Available:  Hunter/Wine

Retails for $ 190.00

50% Discount
Sale Price- $ 95.00

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IN-STOCK
995015

Woolrich Hudson’s Bay Capote Wool Throw Blanket- 42×70, Colors Available; Pink, Natural

Retail for $ 145.00 Ea.

25% Discount
Sale Price- $ 108.00 Ea.

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IN-STOCK 
46
Upholstered Ottoman w/Turned Wooden Base- 21Wx21Dx18H

Retail for $ 800.00
55% Discount
Sale Price- $ 350.00

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The same is true for shapes and motifs.  You may find yourself drawn to a piece of furniture, artwork or an accessory and not be able to pinpoint what it is that attracts you to these objects.  Classical motifs and patterns found in architecture even in their simplest forms can move us.  You may come across a book end with a classical scroll design and want to incorporate it into your home because the shape of the piece creates a feeling that attracts you.  It may not be until you see a similar scroll as an    architectural detail on a beautiful cathedral that you realize why it called to you.

I always suggest to my clients that they pay attention to their instincts.  Don’t be afraid to tear out an image in a magazine with a funky or colorful furniture item that appeals to you or makes you feel good.  Sometimes you can look at a photo of a room setting and not know what it is exactly that you like in the room but know that you love the overall feeling of the space.  Be brave!  Trust the instincts that are your personal style!

IN-STOCK
1535
Upholstered Arm Chair- 38.5Hx36Wx41.5D
Retail for $ 2,200.00
60% Discount
Sale Price- $ 900.00

FREE DELIVERY TO NY, NJ, PA, CT!   Call Liz at (845) 294-8004