Frugal Friday: Decorating Principle # 6 & # 7
Couture Chateau Decorating Principle # 6: You must choose something inexpensive but well designed and display it
This is a fun one – and I share it on Frugal Friday because more often than not, I will set a price limit that is WAY below the Client’s comfort zone
I have been known to set the Budget at $1,000 (everything is relative) but more often than not, the limit is $100, including tax
The purpose? 3 Fold:
1. To DEVELOP a Client’s eye
2. To teach a Client “no apologizing” for the price of ANY item
(if it’s right, it’s right, no matter the price)
3. To have some FUN
Example:
Client Q has exquisite taste
Endows. Founds. Donates. Leads.
Many of our Past & Present Clients, 16 at last count, are members of this Association. Is a Family Foundation something you have thought about? Image linked.
Is Gracious. Quiet. Unassuming.
Is not wasteful in the least
I love the imagery of wheat. Even when the wheat dies, the seeds fall and produce much more. No waste. I like being mindful of that Decorating Custom Luxury Interiors.
However
Client Q does not venture into the ‘Everyday Marketplace’ to purchase decorative items for their home
Of course you know where this is…is there anything like a Bespoke Suit? Men, I think not!
Why on earth would I ask this of them?
See # 1 through # 3 above
As a Decorator, I want my Client to:
a) really SEE something as well designed not just as designer approved
This is a small peek at my kitchen. What I want you to notice is the textural combination. Teaching non designers to recognize good design = important. It’s about understanding what’s behind a bespoke suit. You delight to wear it so much more because you understand…it doesn’t mean you will make your own, but you really SEE the value, the thoughts, the process
b) render something appropriate for their home decor
c) look for value in the everyday marketplace
The Paris Salon of Giambattista Valli. I simply love this. Liking the exquisite is easy. To LIVE WELL with the exquisite, we must learn to see the individual stitches. That is when we appreciate couture at it’s core. Teaching Clients how to spot great design in the Everyday Marketplace is part of this learning process.
d) be confident enough to buy it themselves
e) be confident enough to display it properly themselves
We don’t live with Clients after the project is completed
Items will be added over time, moved, get broken, need to be replaced…
Which leads me to Couture Chateau Design Principle # 7: A Great Decorator equips
See a) through e) above
Best way I can describe this:
Have you ever read a quote, examined antiques, seen a movie – anything and thought “oh, I get it”
Then something happens
You suddenly realize you JUST really “got it”
That you thought you knew before, but you hadn’t
Head Knowledge versus Heart Knowledge
Now you understand it in your Heart
The concept or knowledge has been revealed to you, uncovered to you in a new and lasting way.
You really DO “get it” now
THAT is precisely what we are after with these 2 Principles
Because with Head + Heart knowledge, revealed truths, even if they revolve around a $100 or $1,000 decorative item, a Client is equipped
And it is so much fun
What do I love most?
When Clients call 6 months after project completion to share their purchase for Guest Room # 4!
“Ann, you would be so proud of me! I bought a lovely, appropriate, well designed vase for my guests’ fresh bedside flowers that was under $1,000…”
It’s all relative 😉
Equipped.
I smile. Am grateful for the process.
It blesses me.
“Live a custom life. There is only one you.”™
xo Ann
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As we are developing our Decorating Principles E-Product, your comments are most welcome. Let us know what you like, if there is some concept that is not clear and most of all if these are helpful!
