Designing with Deb
“I distinctly remember tak- ing the back off of that booze cabinet and stealing liquor out of it as a teenager, so it’s fun to see it here in my own apartment now,” James said. “Although I can actually get in through the front now.” One detail that stands out amid James’ apartment is the surprising lack of consis- tency. Where one designer might choose a design theme and stick with it, James won’t be bothered with such limi- tations. For example, James’ fireplace wall is outfitted
Double-Duty Decorating
B
oth of the homes in this issue get
something right, and it’s called double-duty decorating. Think about the following items: Scarves Suitcases Books
with distinctive Asian finesse, including a chair sharply upholstered in a deep red and black pattern. Meanwhile, less than 10 feet away, two mid-century modern chairs with sleek lines sit in sophisticated grace, as though they have zero intention of ever leaving. Mid cen- tury juxtaposed with Asian influence? It’s hardly typical—which is exactly how James likes it. “I’m stealing it from Tim Gunn, but I truly live by the idea of ‘make it work’.” James said. “I know it’s cliché, but it has absolutely changed my life. If I love it, I’m going to buy it and find a way to make it work for me, even if it seems to break the rules.” Speaking of breaking rules, James also doesn’t believe in stowing pieces in closets, waiting for the perfect opportunity to place them in the right spot. For him, there is no better time and better spot than right now. “I can’t store things, and I don’t want other people to feel like they have to, either.” James said. “You bought what you bought for a reason, so what good is it going to do you packed away? My apart- ment looks like a show apartment because I want to show all of my amazing things! My apartment looks staged because it is staged. It’s just how I live.” James and his always-staged apartment approach have garnered quite a lot of positive attention from his friends and family. As one would guess, as visitors filter through the space, it’s not unusual for James to be asked, “So ... can you help me with my place?” “I’ve started doing some freelancing on the side for people, just stag- ing their homes with things they already have,” he said with a grin. “I tell them to get out everything they have and I come over at night and work. I move things around, then I move them again. Half the time they barely recognize their space after I’ve worked on it because they didn’t realize what they had!” There is no putting on airs or pretension in James’ apartment. In fact, it’s a breath of fresh air to be in a space that feels light, open and accept- ing of all things, at all times. There are no rules and no restrictions. And somehow, it all works.
Comic books Action figures Herbs Fruits and vegetables Jewelry Shoes
Pretty vintage brush and comb set That awesome pair of cowboy boots Grandma’s platters or trays Hats Hair combs Decorative hangers Vintage clothing
These are all items we have in our homes. Whether your bud- get is tight, you’re short on space, or you just want to step out- side the box, these items can serve two purposes: their original intent and as décor! All of the ideas above can bring color, shape, texture, humor, or sentiment into your environment. Remember, you are only limited by your imagination. Perk up a kitchen or dining room with potted herbs – you get to enjoy them on your table and on your plate. Fruits and vegetables make gorgeous centerpieces. Add a chair rail to a dining room wall about four feet off the floor. It’s the perfect place to lean your grandma’s platter you’ve been wondering what to do with. That same chair rail in a bedroom could be the perfect place to store and display your favorite heels. Need a doorstop? That’s the perfect spot for your favorite pair of cowboy boots. A sculpture is the ultimate spot to display some of your favorite jewelry (or headphones on a bust). That luxurious outfit or vintage jacket you just scooped up would be amazing draped over a seamstress’ form, or hung over a door on a decorative hanger. Not only do you get to wear them, but you and others get to enjoy them the rest of the time. No bookshelf is complete without books ... comic books ... maybe even a Wonder Woman action figure! You get the idea. Have some fun and enjoy your awesome stuff—all the time!
-Deb
^
Kim is a writer, interior designer and sales rep. She is also a complete klutz that can crank out a killer cartwheel on demand. Her favorite place to write is curled up on the couch, with her two dogs and two cats fighting for a spot on her lap.
Deb Vogler has been creating her own brand of Comfort by Design for more than 15 years. She deals with all aspects of design, from budget- ing, to floor plans (renovation or new construction), to furniture, to color at her full-scale design firm. Have a designing question for Deb? Send it to erin@vintagekcmag.com.
VintageKC / Fall 2014 29
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online