Back in 1999, we were on vacation and watch the ____ show (can’t remember the name of the show, but it because the Christopher Lowell Show), and Christopher went over his general steps for redesigning a room. We wrote them down then, and recently came across them again, so rather than keep the random piece of paper for another 9 years, I figured I’d blog it. Obviously, this is already online at christopherlowell.com, but following is the basics:
- Paint and Architecture (moldings, mantel)
- Installed Flooring (any floor surface that is wall to wall)
- High Ticket Upholstery Items (sofa, love seat)
- Accent Fabrics (area rugs and drapes)
- Non-upholstered Furnishings (the work horses of the room, end tables, chairs, coffee tables)
- Accessories (pictures, mirrors, candlesticks)
- Plants and Lighting
I don’t know if the 7 layers are suppose to be in order but everyone at the store I work at (and I realize that it is obviously self serving for them) says that you would pick the rug before the rest of the furniture or (non-structural) décor elements. They say it is much easier to pick other decor elements based on the color palette defined by the rug than to find a rug to fit the furniture’s colors. I would be interested to see if decorators (who don’t just sell rugs) would agree.
Christopher Lowell also has a book out by this title. I found it at our local library. I used to love his show, too, but haven’t watche it in ages. He is such a talented decorator. I found it very interesting. I can see picking out the area rugs before the furniture and paint, though.