The Rural Voice, 2003-08, Page 451
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Home Decorating
Be brave on hour outdoor decorating stgle
Patti
Robertson
operates
Classic
Interiors in
Wingham.
By Patti Robertson
It's always a thrill to be
complimented on the state of one's
home. Of course at this time of year
our outdoor settings are what
captures the attention of friends,
neighbours and passersby. It's not at
all difficult to achieve rave reviews
when we work with the elements that
create a positive energy flow
throughout one's property.
In studying energy in our lifestyles
I have come to realize and accept that
our words, put into action, can cause
very powerful awakenings. When we
live and create with the desire to
utilize positive energy uppermost in
our minds, this stimulation will result
in a very vital lifestyle which will, of
course, be in evidence throughout all
our settings both inside and out. For
example, the vandalizing of one's
property or that of a friend's can
intimidate us and as a result we pull
back and tend not to express our true
creativity out front and centre but
rather hide it away in our backyards
and private areas. This very action is
created through fear and sets up
distrust, discouragement, despair and
often intolerance, all of which
are forms of negative energy.
These energies can cause us to
close down and withdraw,
whereas if we express bravery and
possibility and plant right out to the
sidewalks, place interesting planters
front and centre, add a welcoming
bench, we not only expand ourselves,
but our trust and love of nature and
our fellow man. In sharing the
enjoyment and beauty of our homes
we create very powerful, positive
energy vibes that cannot help but be
noticed and enjoyed by all who pass
by our home.
A positive charge is added to
one's home when we consciously
select a colour scheme that works
with the home's natural attributes.
The front door should always be an
attention getter whether it sports a
cheery colour, an intriguing or
mysterious hue or blends into the
existing colourations. Our front doors
are always more welcoming if they
address the sidewalk directly. The
walkway leading up to the front door
should adjoin the pedestrian sidewalk
even if it flows in a curve to the front
door.
In farm settings, I still suggest a
front walk or the illusion of a front
walk which perhaps ends at a pretty
circular garden so the front of the
home has a complete look rather than
"this entrance is never used" energy
flow. Again in a farm setting, we'll
set up our most used entrance with
attractive plantings, pots, greeting
PATTI ROBERTSON'S
Unique Residential and
Cosnntercial Interiors
135 Victoria St., WINGHAM
357-2872
• Custom-made Window
Fashions, Bedspreads
& Accessories
• Fine Domestic &
Imported Fabrics
• Select Wallcoverings
• Furnishings, Lighting
& Artwork to suit
any interior...
12 THE RURAL VOICE
signs, and colourations to stimulate
positive energy flow. I go so far as
recommending colour co-ordination
in landscaping materials, plantings
and in selecting outdoor furnishing
for our homes. Setting a theme for the
entire property will also add to the
total impact and statement we all are
interested in achieving.
If you are interested in creating
some enchantment you'll want to add
lots of curved lines into walkways
and floral beds, while if your goal is a
cottage or rustic look you'll succeed
by adding nostalgic plantings,
furnishings and weathered statuary,
fencing and the like. If a classical
more formal setting appeals to your
nature, privet hedges, clean lines and
plantings in floral beds, along with
pristine lines in furnishings will be
the order of the day.
Remember always keep things
simple and avoid clutter — too many
small pots, statuary and gardens, and
likewise pots, or statuary that is
overbearing in the setting have
negative effects and detract from our
efforts. We are looking for a balance
between home and setting for the
utmost statement. We can always add
more spice if necessary.
Try bringing all the charm and
grace you utilize and enjoy within
your home, out of doors for the
summer months. Express yourself,
enjoy the bounty and creativity
you've been blessed with. Spill
forward into the public areas of your
gardens, plump up and plush out your
sitting areas, dine outdoors with linen
tablecloths, napkins and your
favourite china. Yes, you may
experience vandalization but again,
you may not. Best to remember there
are way more of us good guys
appreciating and enjoying the beauty
you've chosen to share with us.
Expand, let the positive energy
force of creativity, love, joy, caring
and sharing be your guide and
overflow on all sides of your home.
Your reward will come via
appreciative compliments.0