'Bring on the drama'

The best fashion speaks volume.

Anyone that has flipped through the pages of an Annie Leibovitz or Steven Meisel editorial in Vogue or W Magazine knows this. Anyone who has sat at a highly anticipated fashion show like Marc Jacobs or Alexander McQueen knows this.

With the model’s back turned to the camera, Iselin Steiro stares sultrily into the mirror in a Lanvin SS09 ad campaign (shot by Meisel). Despite her smoky eyes and dark lipstick, I am more distracted by her dress: a chunky, blue chain link necklace slung round her neck, the fuchsia pink bodice and the crimson red dress panel that falls to the back. The jewel tones are striking against her alabaster skin and the beige bergère she sits upon.

Here, there’s drama; there’s contrast.

The same rule applies to décor.

Redecorating your living room doesn’t have to be difficult as say, renovating your kitchen (we all know how that goes). Think of it as you would go about cleaning your closet.

These are the basics. First, throw out what you don’t need. Ask yourself what you do need.

Then, organize your room into the following categories:

1.Painting

2.Art

3.Fabrics

4.Lighting

The more categories you update, the greater the impact the room will have. And keep in mind: contrast, contrast, contrast.

1. Painting: If painting an entire room a different hue is too time-consuming, choose an accent wall and paint it in a bold color (see above). Colors that are rich (orange, blue, green, purple, red, etc.) allow furniture or wall hangings in that space to get special attention that would’ve gone unnoticed before.

2. Art: Update the artwork hanging on your wall. Make sure the colors in that Claude Monet or Gustav Klimt painting pop against the other furnishings. Rearrange the photos you do have. Or better yet, showcase new photos.

3. Lighting: Create high and low by alternating the wattage in a room. Determine where you want the emphasis to be and reflect that in the lighting. Place a uniquely styled floor lamp, table lamp, or bubble light to set the mood (see left).
4. Furniture: Rearranging your furniture is the simplest way to change the look and feel of a room. Whether you choose to buy a few new pieces or not, remember to alternate heights, colors, materials.
I guarantee the effort is worth it.
- S. Gonzalez*Photos courtesy of heavyheels.blogspot.com, Elle Decor and modern-interior-home-decoration.blogspot.com