5 Vacation Lessons
I have been enjoying a nice break from the routine (and humidity) of my life in Maryland. I find that traveling and staying in rented homes or hotels allows us to see things that are hard to notice just living our busy lives! A few design related thoughts have stood out to me on my New England trip, and I hope they might resonate with you.
Don't immediately rule out anything. One 1800's home I visited had stenciling along the ceiling line and in some closets and in the entry hall. It was beautiful! And not at all what I recall from the border kits of the 1980's when it wrapped many ceiling lines with ivy or teddy bears! Look at this foyer, just beautiful!
Look to nature when pulling colors together. Many times we play it safe and stick to a very gray or beige palette, while others go all-in with a ton of colors that can clash or be unsettling. If you are thinking of putting some different colors together, find it in nature and use that as your guide. These rocks and seaweed inspire me to think beyond blue and green, gray or beige!
Simple often is best. My vacation rental cottage is rustic and uncluttered, wonky and old. Look at the table and mismatched chairs! No problem, it is a lovely table for dinner with cut flowers and delicious food. Don't get caught up on making it perfect before you have friends over!
Check out the local art scene. If you don't normally buy art, vacations are a perfect time to purchase something that will remind you of your trip. Support local artists, and get somethink on your walls or a table or shelf. This is by far better than buying art that matches your sofa or carpet! Find something that calls to you and expresses your interests.
Relax. A sign in a coffee shop read, "Relax, good coffee takes time." Sometimes I need a reminder to take a deep breath and try to kick it down a notch. Of course this comes easier for my dog, who had no problem at all switching to vacation mode. For me it takes a bit longer, but that is ok. Breathe! (A puzzle can also help!) I would love to hear anything you might have noticed on your summer travels! What did you decide to "take home" with you?
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