Think outside the box!

If I was forced to name only one person as my design and lifestyle inspiration, I think I would perhaps say Pippi Longstocking. Very odd choice…I’m aware of that. But being a Swede I grew up with her.  What I love about Pippi, and her house is that she broke all the rules on how to live in your home. She slept with her feet on her pillow, cooked on the floor and kept her horse and monkey indoors. Everything with her lifestyle was unusual, and on top of that she was completely unafraid to try anything new.

I really want to commit to this series, because I think the best designs are found when we think outside the box.  And hey, how much more fun isn’t life when we break some rules?

1. FRAME SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE WALLPAPER.

Love what Chicago designer Summer Thornton did in her living room! Frame some of your favorite expensive wallpaper and hang on the wall. It replaces art — and you can take it with you. You don’t have to wallpaper a room in the traditional way.

Interior design:Tobi Farley

2. WHO SAYS WOOD HAS TO BE BROWN?

I used to worry so much about finding the right wood finish, only to realize why worry, paint it!!  Wood does not need to be only brown on a chair or a desk. When you rescue an old chair think of all your favorite colors, then select one and paint the frame in it!!

Custom vintage design by Cheryl at Garden house decor.

3. WALLPAPER THE CEILING…

Why do so many of us forget the ceiling when we design a room?

Pick a great patterned wallpaper and go for it.  Give yourself a reason to look up…! The old decorating rule, start with the floor might work for some people, but how about starting with the ceiling?

Kelly Wearstler’s trellis wallpaper on the ceiling anyone?

…OR STENCIL IT!

Michelle at Three Men and a Lady stenciled her ceiling in a small bathroom. More work for you, but less of a price tag!!Looks just as great.

Here is a link to a great DIY showing how to create a stencil of Kelly Wearstler’s Trellis pattern.

3. THINK UP UNUSUAL AND WEIRD COLOR COMBINATIONS.

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Interior design: Hilary Thomas

Then use them! You would be surprised to see how great they can look in just the right mix. Pick a color you love, then add something you don’t think will go with it. Then add a third color and try to “rescue” the two mis- matched tones. You’ll probably find a great color combo!

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5. PUT A SMASHING FANCY WALLPAPER IN THE KITCHEN OF A BORING RENTAL…BECAUSE YOU CAN.

You’ll turn the most boring,impersonal, ugly kitchen in a stylish abode! Add a great light fixture and a mirror and you’ll want to live in there.

Hope you like some of these ideas. I push myself every day not to get stuck thinking a certain way because we’ve been thought to think that way, or we’re used to seeing things a certain way.

Have you ever done anything unusual in your house? Please share!

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11 thoughts on “Think outside the box!

  1. I love the way you think! I agree, don't stick to some rigid idea or 'rule' in decorating your space. Use colors that make you happy and express who you are. Paint a chair, wallpaper a ceiling or if you are in a temporary space, or don't want to commit, frame your pretty wallpaper!!! xo JS

  2. All fabulous ideas…and great pictures! I always seem to bookmark your posts. I just added you to my blogroll so I'd be sure to not miss anything! You inspired me so much while creating my daughter's room….I even painted her highbloy cheery yellow because of your pics!

    xo

    1. That's awesome! Send me a picture of your daughter's highboy I'll put it on Facebook or blog! Sounds great. Just added you to my blog roll.

  3. Fabulous ideas and images!! I agree Break outside the box and color outside the lines!

    I have a $200 Giveaway from Fifi Flowers!
    Do come and enter!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

  4. great ideas and fun photos. I, too, love Pippi Longstocking and remember her always standing on the roof! who knows why…because she can?

  5. SO funny you say Pippi…my sister, who lives in DC…just dressed like her for Halloween! And now my daughter is obsessed! Thanks for all of the "breaking:" the rules inspiration…I am going to break some rules myself!

    1. That's so funny Gretchen-you must check out the original Swedish TV series from the 60's, you can find it with subtitles I think. It's my favorite!!

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