This unique attic space is inviting and charming. It's a casual space meant for relaxing and kicking back but it still has tons of style and visual appeal. Many new homes now feature what is called a 'bonus room' and our feature room certainly fits that bill.
The large, ornate window is a great main feature of this space but it's the clever use of accessories that piques my interest. So, don't despair if your bonus room lacks similar architectural features. You can still create a beautiful space regardless of the bare bones of the room you're decorating.
I love it when unusual items are used for decorative purposes and this room has many great examples of this practice. There are many reasons why this style of decorating is appealing. Firstly, it's a totally creative way to decorate, usually with a very unique outcome. You get to use items you have on hand, which saves money, time and the environment.
Also, decorating with items that mean something to you helps you to create a space that has more than just visual value. Of course, you want the items in your decor to look nice but it's important some of the things showcased mean something or invoke fond memories. Whether it's a family heirloom or an item you found on a special trip, you need to include these items in your space to give meaning to your home. To me, a room full of pretty things with no intrinsic value is just a gift shop.
Our feature room, photo courtesy of Pratt and Lambert Paints, has oodles of appeal on many levels. The shape of the room itself is distinctive, which is a great starting point for an awesome space. A room like this could be used as an artist's studio, musician's loft, library or home office. In our example, a casual sitting room works well in this small but visually grand room.
Quirky accessories
The display of large-brimmed hats flanking the window is a great eye-catching feature. The collection is fun and definitely interesting. Most people would consider hanging something like artwork on this wall space but thinking outside of the box in this instance works beautifully. The colours in the hats also work well with the warm, yellow-gold wall colour. They also add texture and have a slight sculptural quality because of the vertical display. The natural light would cast interesting shadows throughout the day, creating even more visual interest to the focal wall.
The vintage trunk being used as a coffee table could very well be a family heirloom as mentioned above. For a smaller space like this, the added storage feature is a bonus. (Perhaps for more hats!)
A vintage child's wooden riding horse is used as an appealing accessory that is in keeping with the horse-lover theme of the space. In the background is a pencil drawing of a horse along with another black and white print. Setting artwork on the floor instead of hanging it in the traditional manner fits the relaxed setting. Using traditional accessories like this in unusual ways can also help you create a truly unique space.
The rattan accent table, which holds an antique clock, is totally out of character with the other furnishings but it works. It's unobtrusive and is the perfect size for the small area allotted for a side table. The chair is big and comfy but has modern lines. Mixing genres and furniture styles can be fun. Don't feel you have to go out and purchase items to 'match' your decor. Check around your own home to see what you have to work with. You may very well have the item you need but you've overlooked it. Take a second look. Repainting or recovering an item may also be an option to make it work in your new space.
Unique accessories can be found in many places. For a wall display, items like vintage hats, plates or platters, vintage clothing, shoes, boots, belts and purses, jewelry and textiles can all be used to create a unique display. As in our feature room, vintage toys and other interesting items like bird cages, architectural finds and so on can add to the look.
Sometimes just bringing things together in a collection can help make it work. For example, a dressing dummy showcasing a vintage dress set amongst a collection of vintage shoes, gloves in front of a period movie poster would make a great vignette in the corner of a bedroom. One decorative clock is nice, but an entire wall of clocks of varying sizes and styles (working or not) might be stunning. You get the picture.
connieoliver@shaw.ca
