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ANOKHI Chats With Interior Designer Blanche Garcia
This design diva gives us tips on home makeovers on a budget
Trying to tackle a home makeover on a budget can be a challenging task. In the January 2013 issue of ANOKHI, I talked about bold materials and textures and ways to work those into a room and now I give you an interview I did with Blanche Garcia, Certified Interior Designer and lead designer of her own firm, B. Garcia Designs or better known as one of the fan favorite designers for Travel Channel's Hotel Impossible.
What is a simple way to incorporate patterns into the home, i.e. damask, bold stripes, polka dots?
Always keep within the same color family. Also make sure to create a balanced blend of small and large patterns.
How can dark colors be worked into a room without overpowering the space?
It's all about balance. A dark room can be very warm when light furniture is placed in it as well.
How can someone decorate by combining trends (bold colour, textures, patterns, etc.) without making the room gaudy or tacky?
Be very selective. Create a focal point and try not to create small scattered moments. One large moment makes the best impact.
What are some of the easy mistakes someone can do when they are trying to redecorate?
Trying to go too matchy matchy can make your home feel cold, like you just went to the store and bought the floor set. Also instead of placing all of the furniture against the wall like at a school dance, create conversation zones that will bring warmth into the space.
Image from The Penguin Hotel, Miami that was featured in an episode of Hotel ImpossibleWhat is a budget friendly way to spruce up/glam up the home?
It's easy to change up throw pillows and throws to a bold new color for the season. Switching out the picture frames to a distinctive color or style works well. Paint is also inexpensive and can be used to accent a wall to add drama.
Blanche also does 'color therapy' when she designs, here is a bit on that.
What is Colour Therapy?
It's been proven that colors affect the brain and can change and affect a person's mood. So color therapy is choosing colors based on the mood or activity you are wishing to create.
What is a simple way to make a room color therapy aware?
It is more about choosing colors to create a mood. For instance; if you want a bedroom to feel serene then you choose colors that invoke the feeling of relaxation like lavender or soft blues. Different colors have different associations. They can easily be looked up on the internet.
What are some key pieces to add to a room to help with Color Therapy?
You can help a room by choosing colors that create the feel that you wish the room to impart.
Sources: Twitter, bgarciadesigns.com, travelchannel.com penguinhotel.com
Geeta Wahab
Author
Cultivating a life she loves, Geeta (@geets.suites) is chasing all her passions, including her love for home décor. As a brand new home owner, her current journey has launched her further into that world - check out her Instagram @geets.suites for tidbits of her story and other decorating pieces. A...
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