Decorating Tip: Creating the Unexpected

Part of keeping your home décor exciting is adding something unexpected. Decorating during The Belle Époque was about color, elegance, excitement and showcasing important, interesting objects. We can employ this principle today in our own homes.

For example, you can display a picture in an unexpected place. Not only does this add excitement to a room, but serves as an excellent way to create the perfect backdrop for something you value.

In my own home, I display paintings in unusual places all the time. I think this creates drama in the room. You can hang a picture on a bookshelf, in front of drapery on a window (making sure the painting is protected from damaging light), you can lean a picture on a chair that’s never used or create a grouping with a picture and other objects on a desk or sideboard. Use your imagination. The possibilities are limitless.