A home is many things, but most of all it is a reflection of our own unique personality. So, what does our home say about you?
I recently had a visit from an old friend from back East that I had reunited with through social media. Mary had not changed since 1974. Jeans, fringe, bright colors, beads, she is now, as she was then, a free spirit.
It was Mary who had introduced me to the joys of the secondhand stores in the East Village of the early-70s, and one glance at her standing at my door told me she still frequents them.
We chatted about the twists and turns of our lives had taken over the past 40 years. Then, she pulled out her phone to share pictures of her latest project, her new summer home on the Jersey Shore. It was incredible! But what interested me the most was that even though she had used a design consultant, he had worked very closely with her and together they had captured her essence. She said her consultant referred to the style of her new digs as “Gypsy.”
Gypsy decor, also referred to as Bohemian-Chic, combines junk from the attic with romance and luxury. It can be done on a shoestring budget or with the attitude of “price is no object.” But, for the sake of this column, let’s take the frugal approach.
Start your shopping at home as your basement, attic and garage can hold many of the raw materials you need to get started. Low on junk? Supplement what you have with a visit to secondhand stores, vintage shops and flea markets. Items to watch for include old lamps, birdcages, costume jewelry, framed maps, globes, strands of bells, wind chimes pillows of varying sizes and plenty of beads, tassels and fringe.
Furnishings range from ornate carved wood and metal furniture to rattan and up-scaled re-purposed treasures. Trunks, suitcases and boxes offer great storage. Stack them in a corner effect or use them as occasional tables. Pieces with an Oriental flair are also at home in a Gypsy room, so consider the use of ornate black lacquer chests and folding screens. While the possibilities for furniture selection are limitless, remember to anchor your room with comfortable seating and cozy conversational areas.
Varied textures stand out as one of the main element of design. Fabrics range from heavy brocades to light and airy silks. Mandala and Hippie tapestries, tribal patterns, tie dye and peacock fabrics are a must. Throw out the concept of mix and match! In this genre of decorating it is mix, mix, mix with heavy use of the gypsy-toned colors of indigo, purple, bright gold, emerald green, turquoise and hot pink.
Wall coverings range from a gallery of flea market art to poster art with a hint of mystery and old world maps. Release your creativity and let it wander. Framed art and mirrors are nice, but in the Gypsy inspired room, scarves, strands of beads, hand painted murals and even area rugs can be used. If you have been slave to solid color walls, as I have for many years, you may need to reset the way you think. The perfect backdrop for this decor is a base coat of a vivid color, warmed by a color wash of secondary color. This will result in a marbled effect that is perfect as the foundation for your rooms.
Finish off your room with edgy accents of painted pottery from the Italian countryside, pagodas and Buddhas, Oriental rugs and brass and from India. Then balance it with the softness of lamps draped with scarves and curtains made from a vintage bedspread trimmed in fringe.
Surround yourself with colors that inspire, furniture that was made to be lived on and with each individual item that you purchase, make it something that you are glad to come home to . Then release the Gypsy in your soul. Until next time…Linda
Irvington resident Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and the liquidation and valuation of estates and may be reached at 317-258-7835 or lkennett@indy.rr.com
