What inspires you, and how can you use your inspiration as a basis for decorating your home?
If you haven’t had much experience doing that, it may be helpful to take a look at how other people are doing it. That’s the theme of “Inspired By” (Gibbs Smith), Kathryn M. Ireland’s new book, which takes readers inside the homes of 17 of her friends — including artists, an equestrian, a chef/writer, a comedian, a magician and others.
Ireland says they all share certain attributes: innate creativity; the confidence to be original; and a determination to have their homes express their desire to live passionately and stylishly. By showing us these interiors and how well they work, despite the quirkiness, the author helps us build the courage we need to create our own individual styles.
One woman featured in the Ireland book, Gaby Dellal, loves unexpected touches throughout her home. They range from dadoes and moldings painted on the walls to simple rows of boards used as kitchen shelving, a flag hanging at a bathroom window and frameless art canvases pinned to the walls. There’s also a conventional photo of Dellal’s son, but turned to the side, and a neon sign hung high over the fireplace.
Another of Ireland’s friends, Baby De Selliers, is an equestrian and artist whose favorite color is white. Her renovated home, which connects to the horse stable, offers great examples of her personal style — including her collections of natural objects. And the drawers of the chest in her dressing room are covered with hand-painted labels and motifs.
It’s notable, to judge from the homes featured in the book, that the gutsiest, most personal interiors don’t cost a fortune. Both Dellal and De Selliers have avoided rich finishes and expensive furnishings.
All the homes highlighted by Ireland are treasure troves layered with furnishings, fabrics and accessories that bring together various aspects of their owners’ lives, assembled gradually over years.
Checking them out might just inspire you to bring more of yourself into your own living space.
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