Almost every article you read these days uses the word “chic,” referencing everything from residential interiors to hotels to personal style. But what is “chic,” and in particular, what is “chic decor?” And how can you achieve this in your home? By definition “chic decor” means elegant or stylish decoration. An elegant home is one that has been well-planned and appointed using a number of the design principles outlined here to help you achieve this goal.

Cohesion
One of the key factors in achieving a “chicly decorated” home is cohesion. Nothing is more attractive and soothing to the eye than a home where all components of an interior (furniture, flooring, colour, etc.) relate to each other. This doesn’t mean that everything is an exact replica of each other, but rather that when it comes to choosing furniture, as an example, that the pieces harmonize with each other, and that there is a sense of continuity from room to room.

Scale
This is particularly important when choosing furniture. Each piece should relate to the others in terms of scale and proportion. Scale, of course, refers to the size of one piece of furniture in relation to others that will be adjacent to it. The scale must be similar in order to achieve the most desirable effect. Having a large scale wing chair looming over a low minimalist sofa would make both pieces appear out of context. A lower back chair, in this example, would relate much better to the sofa and create a more harmonious composition.

Repetition
Continuity, or repetition, in design creates a space that is not only harmonious, but is integrated with adjacent rooms, particularly on the main floor where the likelihood of viewing more than one room at once is higher. Repeating the style of furniture, cabinetry, lighting, window treatments and colour into each of the adjoining rooms lends unity to the disparate rooms, creating flow and elegance. Distinction can then be achieved through artwork, fabric and accessories.

Eclectic interiors can also be very chic provided that no more than two different furniture styles are chosen throughout; otherwise the look will feel disjointed and busy, thereby creating a space that is unsettling to the eye. Be extra cautious when combining styles. Consider the lines, scale and proportion and overall feel of the styles to determine their compatibility. Mixing formal Louis XIV furniture with rustic Canadiana would create an incompatible marriage.

Colour
Can you really have a chic home and use colour throughout? Absolutely, the key here is to use restful versus vibrant tones throughout. Neutrals should serve as the principal colours throughout the main wall areas as well as on soft furnishings. Accessories and accents can then be added using either complementary or analogous tones, depending on the overall look desired and the need for definition. Beware of using too many hues as this will create a chaotic interior, however, using very little colour will create a dull and lifeless interior.

Line
Chic decor means employing clean lines. Choose furniture and accessories that have a minimal amount of embellishments and suit the context of the room. Similarly, adopting a less is more philosophy is wise when purchasing items for a room. Overfilling a room with furniture or accessories only creates congestion and confusion as to the room’s focal point.

Keep the lines and embellishments simple and you will have a home that will reward you by being both timeless and beautiful, as well as the envy of your friends and neighbours.

Article by: Margarida Oliveira, designer and owner of Chic Decor a full-service decorating firm. For design/decorating services, you may contact her at: 905 337 8463. Or visit her website at: www.chicdecordesign.com

Home Renovation Guide Artile Posted by Nikki Rollins nrollins@homerenovationguide.com