Happy Chic: Inspiring But Not for Everyone (Though Jonathan Adler Would Disagree)

I just finished reading Jonathan Adler on Happy Chic Accessorizing and Jonathan Adler on Happy Chic Colors.

HOLY CRAP!

These books are not for the faint of heart. It takes an iron stomach to digest all of the design inspiration and tips packed in these two volumes. Basically, my mother would hate them, and my French grandmother would love them.

If you are at all squeamish about adding color and life to your home, calmly turn around and run the other way. If you want to chuck everything considered "safe" (a.k.a. boring) out the window and embrace color and the art that interior decorating can be, pick these books up and prepare to be inspired!

THE JONATHAN ADLER MANIFESTO

I believe that your home should make you happy.

I believe that when it comes to decorating, the wife is always right. Unless the husband is gay.

I believe in carbohydrates and to hell with the puffy consequences.

I believe minimalism is a bummer.

I believe handcrafted tchotchkes are life-enhancing.

I believe tassels are the earrings of the home.

I believe in the innate chicness of red with brown.

I believe in being underdressed or overdressed, always.

I believe celebrities should pay full price.

I believe in Palm Beach style: Louis chairs, chinoiserie, Lilly Pulitzer, The Breakers circa '72.

I believe my designs are award-winning even though they've never actually won any.

I believe in Aid to Artisans.

I believe dogs should be allowed in stores and restaurants.

I believe you should throw out your Blackberry and go pick some actual blackberries.

I believe my lamps will make you look younger and thinner.

I believe in irreverent luxury.

Patience, Love and Expression

So I had seen this book,

Decorate: 1,000 Design Ideas for Every Room in Your Home

by Holly Becker and Joanna Copestick on Amazon as a "recommended for you" item, but I didn't think much of it. I was at the library recently and saw it on the shelf. I thought to myself, "Eh, why not." I started reading it in the car a few days later and made little flapping motions to my husband while bouncing up and down in my seat to get his attention. I had read something that I thought, "Oh my gosh, this is so true."

He didn't get it--but, then again, he doesn't get most of what I do, so it's okay. He supports me in my insanity and lends a hand or two when I ask.

Anyway, what I had read was as follows:

"Allow yourself the patience to know it will all come together in time, and enjoy the process! For me home decor is not a goal, but a continually evolving and kinetic art project."

Amy Butler

After one of my friends telling me how overwhelming she finds trying to decorate her home, I realized that not everyone approaches the process the same way I do. (Cue the "Well, duh.") She was thinking that one had to do it all at once. YOU ABSOLUTELY DO NOT HAVE TO DO IT ALL AT ONCE!

Decorating your home is an evolutionary process that is never truly finished. (Good thing, too, or I would have to find a new hobby!) It is also a journey of self-discovery. By the time you start feeling comfortable with your space, you find that it is becoming a visual and physical representation of yourself. When someone walks into your home, they get an impression of who the occupants are. Put your own personal stamp on your space and never look back!

Some other gems from this book include the following:

"Use your critical eye to see and use your heart to feel--and then trust your instincts."

Shannon Fricke

"Your home should tell the story of who you are, and be a collection of what you love brought together under one roof."

Nate Berkus

Okay, I'm going to get off my soapbox now and get on with my day. I hope that all of you lovely readers either agree with me, or have gotten something to think about. Decorating should not be an overwhelming process. Yes, it can be daunting at times, but know that it is an expression of yourself and what you love. Rome was not built in a day. You did not become who you are now in a day. Give your home the same time and freedom.

Sometimes people will ask me how I came up with an idea after I finish a project. The truth is I spend weeks, months, sometimes even years thinking about something before making a decision and going for it. It is a process. I've been working for two years on my home, and not one of my rooms is completely finished (though some are close). I do not tell you this to discourage you, but rather to encourage you to cut your self some slack and enjoy the journey.

Love what you do! Love your home! Love who you are!