RUBYs Top 10 STYLING Tips

How do you want to live?

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Welcome to Rubys top 10 Styling Tips.

As a stylist and designer I have a great passion for sharing my ideas and inspiring people to refresh their living spaces in a way that they can feel it. My Top 10 Styling Tips should introduce you into the world of expressing your individuality through your home and personal style. Rubys Top 10 Tips are designed as a guide from 1 to 10 to help you to look at your home in a different light, and embark upon a journey to find your personal style and apply new ideas to your living environment.

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Find your style de jour Tell your story Colourise your life Introduce Pattern and Texture Mix it up

6. Functionalise your living space 7. Creating mood with light 8. Accessories with style 9. The power of flower 10. Design a feature wall

STYLING IS ABOUT CREATING MOOD AND AMBIENCE WITH OBJECTS WE FIND, COLLECT AND LOVE. MARTINA HRUBES, FOUNDER AND STYLIST, RUBYINDESIGN

1. FIND YOUR STYLE DE JOUR

For me, style is all about creating a desired mood and ambience with objects that we own because they have some measure of personal significance in our lives. The way you decorate your home is a strong expression of your individuality and can have a great in influence on how you feel living your life. It is important that your living space reflects your personality but also works in a practical way that meshes with your lifestyle. What type of lifestyle do you lead? How does it reflect in the way you live? Tip Look around your home like it is the first time you've ever seen it and ask yourself: What sections do you feel most comfortable in? Are there places that don't feel quite right? What colours do you gravitate more towards? Which pieces do you feel attracted to and why? Task Now for the fun part! Buy some Interior design and decorating magazines Flick through them and cut out things that you feel drawn to (dont think too much about it) Compile all your cuttings that have appealed to you i.e. furniture, finishes, colours, textures, patterns Create a collage by combining all of these images until you finish with something that works well with expressing what you like

The result? An end product that is an accurate reflection of your personal style preferences through the colours and images you have chosen. FASHION FADES, ONLY STYLE REMAINS THE SAME. COCO CHANEL visit http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rubyindesign-Blog/ for pictures of different interior styles

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TELL YOUR STORY

As you start to create your story, the challenge lies in positioning and presenting every piece in a way that balances out your space. A natural flow and aesthetic look that guides your eye around the room is the end goal.

Tip One way to begin is by assigning little themes and facets of your personality to different spaces around your home. Try to redefine these spaces in a way that reflects this personality and be creative with how you position your pieces. Move things around and change their positions, add new items and you will see how you can change a rooms feel immediately. Task Time to start moving things around!

Pick something small to start - a bookshelf, for example, is a perfect place to practice since it has a practical function but can also be used decoratively. Don't fall into the trap of overcrowding it with its functionality - keep the books you really like and throw or give away the junk Pick out some of your other personal items that are quirky or eclectic that would fit well on the shelves Decorate parts of the shelves with some of these items you like; they can include anything from plants to Chinese porcelain, retro or vintage pieces - just remember that less is more!

The result? A story that you've told in a microcosmic area of your home. This small success will give you the confidence to tackle bigger challenges. YOU START AS AN AUDIENCE MEMBER AND CREATE A WORLD YOU'RE INTERESTED IN, AND THEN YOU MOVE INTO THE TELLING OF THESE STORIES, BRINGING WHAT HAS INTERESTED YOU AS AN AUDIENCE MEMBER. NEIL LABUTE

Visit http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rubyindesign-Blog/149533295111017?sk=photos for bookshelf ideas and examples

3. COLOURISE YOUR LIFE!

Colour is one of the most important aspects to a styling scheme and yet, ironically, it is what people are most hesitant to introduce. This aversion to embracing colour is amusing to me since the earth is, naturally, one of the greatest examples of how colour has an effect on its surroundings. The inclination, then, for us to feel the need to live solely with whites, greys and other 'safe' colours actually works AGAINST our natural tendencies. Tip You can totally alter a rooms atmosphere, mood or function by simply painting the walls a new colour. When looking at different options, make sure you also consider the type of light in a room as this plays a major part in accenting a colour's overall mood and feel. It can be overwhelming when faced with the immense selection of colours, tones and finishes out there, so don't be afraid to ask for a professional opinion from an interior designer or colour consultant. Task Pinpoint a room to get started!

Again, it's good to pick a smaller room that you dont mind experimenting with - like the laundry room! Shortlist some bold or bright colours that automatically appeal to you - it's okay if they are on completely opposite ends of the spectrum If this is a DYI project, get sample pots of your top 3 choices and brush a few strokes onto the wall to compare. When painting there are a few factors to consider: You might need to wash down previous layers. Use even brushstrokes when painting so you wont see them once the paint is dry. Use quality paint and an even measure between coats. If you are hiring a painter to do the deed, then don't worry about cleaning off your colour trials - you can sit back and relax as they handle it all for you :-)

The result? A splash of colour and energy that has infused an area that isn't a central focal point. Now that you have made at least one bold colour choice for your home, you can approach the rest of your space with a more experienced eye.

LIKE EMOTIONS, COLOURS ARE A REFLECTION OF LIFE. - JANICE GLENNAWA

Visit http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rubyindesign-Blog/149533295111017?sk=photos for examples of how colour can change a rooms feel.

4. INTRODUCE PATTERN AND TEXTURE

Now that you've built a strong foundation by introducing aspects of your personal style, story and colour preferences to your home, you can continue to build upon this by adding even further depth and complexity to the space. Patterns and texture play a huge part in impacting your overall look and feel and is one of the final steps towards achieving your desired ambiance. Tip Soft furnishing fabrics are used to make drapes, cushions, tablecloths, lampshades and bed linen, as well as to upholster furniture. They play an integral part in tying all of your elements together and are a simple way to add a personal yet finished look to your room. Other products, of a more striking nature, include tiles, vinyl wallpapers and 3D wall panels. Texture - a surface's tactile quality - creates mood. For example, smooth and shiny textures reflect light and create bright, stimulating environments. Coarse and matte textures absorb light and create warm, relaxing environments. Create contrast where needed! Task Create Ambiance!

Pick a room that needs work in the ambience department preferably a bedroom or spare room that has a larger space with which to work Choose between new curtains or cushions for this room keeping the information in my tip above in the back of your mind CURTAINS: Visit some fabric houses in your area and give your final choice to a curtain maker or visit their showroom and pick from a catalogue CUSHIONS: visit a home decorations store and pick out a variety of new cushions or throws to refresh the bigger pieces in your room

The result? Added layers that assist in refreshing the overall ambience of your home.

THE PAST BECOMES A TEXTURE, AN AMBIENCE TO OUR PRESENT. PAUL SCOTT

Visit Rubyindesign.com/blog or http://www.facebook.com/pages/RubyindesignBlog/149533295111017?sk=photos for ideas

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5. MIX IT UP!
It's important to remember in this whole process that you don't have to stick to one trend or style because you think it might go out of fashion. Get that fear out of your head and, instead, have a play by mix-and-matching the pieces you have chosen that reflect the story you want to tell. Your personal style is already, without trying, timeless! Tip Try combining modern and traditional influences as long as they still resonate with your personal style. For example, an old chandelier can look great paired with a funky, modern piece of furniture or, consider different cultural influences that are important to you like Oriental, African or French Provencal. You can make your living room look more inviting by starting with comfortable seating, soft furnishings and then layering over them with antiques or vintage pieces. Task Figure out how all the pieces to your personal puzzle can fit together!

Choose an old chair, ottoman or a coffee table that you would like to reinvent with a style or influence that resonates with you. You can refurbish old chairs with new fabrics or restore old wooden pieces to completely change their look try to choose something that contrasts with its original style to truly mix it up! You can visit an upholsterer or stylist as well as sign up for a restoration workshop if you need further guidance. Once youve reinvented your piece of choice, place it an area that has furniture of varying heights this will give your room added dimension.

The result? A feeling of reward because youve reinvented one of your existing pieces rather than buying something new from the shop shelf.

IT IS EASILY OVERLOOKED THAT WHAT IS NOW CALLED VINTAGE WAS ONCE BRAND NEW. TONY VISCONTI

Visit http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.164704596927220.42755.149533295111017

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6. FUNCTIONALISE YOUR LIVING SPACE

Space planning is an integral part of maximizing the usability of your home. Effectively balancing your arrangements can help to overcome small obstacles and improve efficiency - there should always be a natural flow to how you move through the room. TIP One of the principles behind Feng Shui is to allow natural pathways for traffic flow. You can create harmony by distributing various pieces evenly. A balanced space has large pieces stationed around the room, not all bunched together in one area. When planning arrangements, think of how and where your domestic activities are grouped. The key objectives are to provide privacy and comfort, convenient movement around the room, a functional environment, storage of household and personal belongings, and efficient performance of all home activities for every family member. TASK Change the Layout! Pick your living room for analyses and be aware of the various activities that take part in this room. Walk through the natural pathways and see if the space allows a continuous flow of movement. If you dont have enough room, declutter your space! Think of practical ways how to improve your storage systems. There are a lot of clever products that help to maximize storage function. Move things around according to the styling tips and try different layouts to see how it affects your living environment. When arranging furniture, first look for a focal point (fireplaces, windowetc) because a room should always have a focal point. For example a large wall can be suitable for dominant styling items.

The result? A symbiotic flow to your living environment FOR YOUR SOUL TO FEEL BALANCED AND HAPPY IT IS ESSENTIAL TO FIND A PLACE ON THE PLANET WHERE YOU FEEL TRULY AT HOME. !~ DENISE LINN, FENG SHUI FOR THE SOUL

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CREATING MOOD WITH LIGHT Successful lighting schemes are based on a balance between natural and artificial light, coupled with the interaction of function and design. This might seem like an algebraic formula, but if you can understand the primary role of lighting, this will give you a strong direction on how to optimise certain areas with light.

TIPS When involving lighting into your interior design scheme, it is important to understand that lighting is divided in three main categories: task, accent and background. - Task: directional lighting that is focused on an area for a specific purpose. (Reading light) - Accent: concentrated light on a subject that both highlights and causes it to stand out from its surroundings - The background light is used to illuminate a background area of a specific space in other words; highlighting the background by directing the light source towards it. Commonly it is a lower intensity light Stylist in particular like to use lighting also to highlight a feature, disguise a flaw and make the most of its form as a decorative element itself. For that reason try to place lighting at different levels in the room and use a combination of accent lighting like table lamps and decorative lamps to add warmth and atmosphere to your room. TASK Set accents with light Candles and candleholders are a simple way of creating mood and ambiance and everyone has some candles hidden in some drawer. Get them out and be ready for the evening dawn. This is a great exercise to do when its dark, so you really can feel the impact of the lights and see how they affect your living space. Once the room starts to darken, just keep minimal light on so you can still see. Place the candles in different spots and see how they effect the rooms atmosphere. For example on side tables, bookshelves, in corridors etc. Then chose a painting or a feature you would like to highlight. You can create up lighting effects by placing candles under or next to it. Find a dark corner that could be a potential spot for a decorative lamp or candleholder!

The Resul?Playing with fire will build your confidence in lighting design and will prepare you for tackling projects of bigger size!
IT IS BETTER TO LIGHT A CANDLE THAN CURSE THE DARKNESS. ELEANOR ROOSEVELT http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.155754764488870.36834.149533295111017

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8. ACCESSORISE WITH STYLE Accessories can include anything from eclectic artwork, to ornaments, vases, designer pieces, mirrors and rare collector pieces. They can be used to enhance a styling scheme, fill awkward gaps or spaces or be feature themselves. Accessories are important because they give your home a personal touch and enhance a theme, style or ambiance you want to create. TIP For me, accessorising offers the perfect opportunity to personalise your home with pieces that reflect your life experiences. I personally love Art and eclectic objects. I always have an eye out for something special that connects with me. When placing things next to each other it is common to use different heights like a tall vase next to a small mask. Uneven numbers work usually better with each other; tree different items grouped together. A danger here is not to over accessories, remember less is sometimes more. TASK Give your style a personal touch and highlight your story! Choose an area in your home that you would like to enhance with accessories. For example a console table or a blank corner in the corridor/lobby. Gather together a selection of pieces that already exist in your home that could possibly fit considering the size . Once you found your items, have a play with it and place them in different ways next to each other until you find the right balance that resonates with your designer eye. Look out for quirky little accessories shops, flea markets, art shows, and auctions. Some places specialize in certain antiques or collector items, others import pieces from the orient or Africa. There is a vast array of options to choose from and something for every budget.

The Result? A more personalized space, your own story and style will reflect your home.

A good painting to me has always been like a friend. It keeps me company, comforts and inspires. Hedy Lamarr http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.164704596927220.42755.149533295111017 http://www.rubyindesign.com/archives/category/blog/designer-accessories

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9. THE POWER OF FLOWER

Plants and Flowers are the most natural way of enhancing spaces. Why? They bring an organic feel to your room, look nice, smell good and brighten moods with their natural beauty! TIPS Key areas for flower power are dining tables, bathrooms, entry halls and corridors as well as blank corners. Flowers and plants will automatically make places more welcoming and refresh the space with their smell. Personally I love native flowers because they remind me of the beauty of Australians nature and they also live long! Secondary you can add a styling element through decorating with vases and pots that round up the presentation. TASK Enjoy the beauty of nature and be creative with it Lets start with the dining table! Be aware of your colour scheme in that area. Do you want to add colour or something that ties in with your theme of the space? Secondly think of the size and possible shape of the vase you would like to use. Visit some florists in your neighbourhood or go to the markets ones a week. Talk to them about your needs and get something custom selected. Try something new every week. If you dont like flowers there is a lot of other plants and unique looking arrangements. For example once I found mini pineapples on branches! The Result? You get to enjoy the change of all 4 seasons season.

Tips link There are also some great products for wall plant decors and creative ways of using specific plants for specific rooms. Check http://www.rubyindesign.com/archives/310

I'D RATHER HAVE ROSES ON MY TABLE THAN DIAMONDS ON MY NECK. ~EMMA GOLDMA

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DESIGN A FEATURE WALL

Have you enjoyed the previous activities and tackled the tasks? You still havent had enough? Well then you are ready to take it to the next step! This is where everything comes together. Feature walls are a great way of adding a wow factor and some interest to a room. But be careful, it really depends on how much else you have going on in your room. It is only good for rooms where the architecture is void with other words, rooms where there isnt much else going on. If you have a beautiful view, then that can be your feature wall.

TIPS A feature wall should always be a main wall, that is positioned in a room towards you and that you look at the most with other words a focal point. In a bedroom it is usually where the bedhead is. But also hallways can be an option. If you have a big bathroom and some money to splash out, then go for something like mosaic tiles with a custom design. If you are on a budget then look for something like wallpapers, which are currently enjoying a revival. Some people have a family photo wall; others use the fireplace as a styling feature. TASK Pinpoint your feature wall and create a WOW factor! T1&T2; Now that you analysed your personal style, take it in your first round design concept consideration. What style and theme do you want to create? T3; Is it a different colour you would like to add to a wall? Then look at some colours you think would fit in with the rest of the room. T4; Once you narrowed down your selection, look at different options for paint finishes and wall coverings that reflect that colour of your choice. You can also add texture or pattern by sourcing wallpapers, vinyl and fabrics as another option. T5 &T8; Think of what mix of styling elements you would like to add into the scheme. For example what art, occasional furniture or accessories you would like to involve. T7; The right lighting will finish of the scheme and is evident to consider. So go through the various lighting options previously discussed. Will you need background, task or accent lighting? How would you like to add the wished for lighting effect? Note: It is very important to take your time and not to rush into anything. If possible get in samples and compare the different options, so you can keep the big picture in mind while absorbing the different elements. Sometimes when you start you will make changes during the process of development and that is absolutely ok, if not necessary. Therefore do it step by step so you are in control of your decisions and its result. Result? I real decorators masterpiece that you can be proud of! FEATURE WALLS ARE TO INTERIORS WHAT THE SCARF IS TO FASHION - AN EASILY CHANGEABLE ACCESSORY SAYS SHARON GALLANT Sign up to newsletter for upcoming suggestions and tips. http://tiny.cc/djlc4

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Rubyindesign can assist you with any of the topics discussed above and also provides consultations and customised styling packages to suit your individual needs. Rubyindesign Service Overview Interior Styling Space Planning Art & Product Sourcing Shopping Bliss Colour Consultation Upholstery and Soft furnishing services Custom Made Furniture Design Rug Designs Interior Design Theme & Scheme Conclusion Feel free to contact me to talk about your next decorating project. Stay tuned with Rubyindesign blog and newsletter. Ruby will keep you updated about upcoming features, styling guides, offers and workshop events.

Copyright / Terms of use

Copyright, Legal Notice and Disclaimer: All Copyright by Rubyindesign and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws, and all rights are reserved, including resale rights: you are not allowed to give or sell this Guide to anyone else.. Please note that much of this publication is based on personal experience and anecdotal evidence. Although the author and publisher have made every reasonable attempt to achieve complete accuracy of the content in this Guide, they assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Also, you should use this information as you see fit, and at your own risk. Your particular situation may not be exactly suited to the examples illustrated here; in fact, it's likely that they won't be the same, and you should adjust your use of the information and recommendations accordingly. Any trademarks, service marks, product names or named features are assumed to be the property of their respective owners, and are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement if we use one of these terms. Finally, use your head. Nothing in this Guide is intended to replace common sense, legal, medical or other professional advice, and is meant to inform and entertain the reader. So have fun with the top10 Styling tips, and be inspired. Copyright 2011 Martina Hrubes All rights reserved worldwide.

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