Bohemian Style Obsession

Bohemian Style Obsession

The word ‘Bohemian’ (Boho) refers to a form that is artsy in design and leads to a visually deep and interesting space.

This style is perfect for those who are obsessed with layering multi-cultural bright textiles and vintage furniture. Think eclectic accessories, patterns, and greenery. Adding Boho style means a room comes to life with a culture that embraces a carefree and relaxed style.

If you find yourself drawn to this type of lifestyle, you can genuinely make Boho a statement all of your own.

Let’s take a look at how you can express yourself with Bohemian Style:

Create a Foundation

Every Boho styled room starts with a solid foundation. Warm and earthy colors layered on top of a neutral base is the first place to start. This neutral backdrop will allow you to express yourself with a multitude of colors and patterns.

Add Greenery

 

Nothing adds a better pop of color and texture than plants. Potted plants won’t interfere with the rest of the design and are a beautiful and fun way to create a relaxed vibe.

Mix and Match

Don’t be afraid to introduce multiple patterns and textures. Think lots of pillows and vintage textiles. This is the perfect place to mix and match elements that usually wouldn’t go together conventionally. From patterned rugs to colorful pillows, inserting various textures and patterns is key.

A Collection of Furniture

 

Second-hand stores are a shoppers haven when it comes to finding unique pieces that match this style. Furniture should look like it has a history and be unique to eras gone by.

Colors that Sing

 

Bright and bold hues are at home in this artistic style. The bolder, the better. Remember to begin with a neutral background, then accessorize in deep saturated jeweled tones such as pink, gold, green, blue and orange. The combining and layering of color is what makes this style unique and fun!

All Things Shiny

 

 

 

What pulls this design together is the shimmer and shine that mirrors and metallics add. Bouncing light off all things that glitter will make a room appear brighter and larger than life. Lamps and lanterns that feature a Moroccan design are sure to add an attractive focal point.

Layer it Up

 

Pattern on pattern and texture on texture is the way to go with a Boho design. Layering one, two, or even three items in different textures and patterns will punctuate the relaxed vibe perfectly.

Tell a Story with Accessories

 

Thrift stores and consignment shops are stocked with accessories that reflect bohemian flair. Artistic elements that add interest to a cozy space will stand out and are less than ordinary. Add unique and one of a kind treasures to create your own boho styled room. It’s all about layering colors, textures, accessories, and adding furnishings that tell a global story.  A story that is uniquely your own and fun to create!

Need some help pulling together Bohemian style? I’d be delighted to help.

Happy Decorating!

 

Melanie Serra, Interior Designer & Home Stager
Melanie Serra, Interior Decorator, Certified Color, Redesign and Staging Instructor

Award-winning decorator and stylist Melanie Serra has been reviving interiors for over 17 years and has worked with clients in Dallas, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. Melanie Serra’s approach to interior design is fresh and innovative transforming residential and commercial interiors from Now to WOW!

Melanie Serra Interiors - 770-714-3430

THE NEXT STEP! I’m following the calling! – Holistic Design

THE NEXT STEP! I’m following the calling! – Holistic Design

THE NEXT STEP! I’m following the calling!

Dear Clients & Friends,

Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to slow down, get quiet, and listen to my intuition. This was not easy!!! As most of you know, I have always been a mover and shaker. Getting still meant that the grass just might grow under my feet, and as a matter of fact, it did! (More about that in a minute).

I’ve always known that change is inevitable and that nothing ever stays the same. I’m not sure why, but over the past few months, I felt as though things were beginning to shift. I felt a change coming! Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love what I do. My career is so rewarding, and I’m so grateful to get paid for doing what I love and to work with so many amazing clients.  But I couldn’t understand why suddenly everything seemed to go in slow motion. I tried to rev up the pace, but I felt overwhelmingly tired. (Something I normally would never admit because THAT IS A SIGN OF WEAKNESS)! Refusing to give in, I continued to forge ahead. I knew that I had to pull up my big girl panties, get back on that rat wheel, and keep my footing no matter what!

Then I broke my foot.

“Ok Universe…. what are you trying to tell me,” I asked???

Often, when we slow down and take a breath, new ideas and opportunities have a way of presenting themselves. So, I gingerly surrendered, got still, and really listened.

It began about 3 years ago, but I thought it was too “woo woo” to speak about.  A few of you may have already experienced some very profound sessions with me. Call it what you like…. intuition, psychic abilities, or God’s gift. Bottom line, I’m able to feel energies in a home. That’s right… I said it…” ENERGIES.”

Somehow, I have been given the ability to identify and shift energies in spaces. This gift is becoming more predominant. For example, often special furnishings (from deceased loved ones) will “grab my attention.” Thus, I know intuitively the importance of incorporating these meaningful pieces in the appropriate spaces in my client’s home. I find that it’s very healing and therapeutic to both the client and the house.   I’m also able to identify negative energy and create a shift for the better.

On one prior appointment, I set out to do a home staging consultation but discovered that the house had a negative energy. I instinctively knew that to prepare the home to sell, I had to remove the negative energy first.  This stuck energy was keeping the home from selling. This home had been on the market for two years. The homeowners were frustrated and at their wits end and very aware of the negative phenomena.   They had previously hired a psychic, a Feng Shui expert and a burial plot specialist to see if their home was built on a sacred burial ground.  Each specialist tried to help, but to no avail, the strange phenomena remained and continued to torment the family.

Shortly thereafter, I was hired by a real estate agent to stage the home.  I knew nothing of the history nor the negative entity. Upon first entering the home I instantly felt a negative vibe.  (But in an odd way, I felt as though I was destined to be there to address it).  Intuitively I knew that I could set the house and the homeowner free.  After discussing my findings, we all agreed that I would return to conduct a house clearing.  I went back the following day to conduct the clearing and was successful in releasing the entity. The homeowners were ecstatic and relieved! I then continued with staging and decorated the home to create balance and harmony.  The home sold within a few days.

Up until now, I tried to push this “gift” down and not give it much thought. 

Although I did write a blog last year on Intuitive Decorating, I wasn’t quite sure that this was something to acknowledge, talk about, promote, or sell to my clients. After all, I didn’t want people to think I was a complete nut case!!! But the crazy thing is, my phone is ringing, and I’m getting more and more requests to do this type of work.  So, I’ve decided to trust and just go for it!

I’m learning that the universe works in mysterious ways and if we get quiet and listen, doors will open. 

Last fall, I read a fascinating book called “Health Revelations from Heaven and Earth” by Tommy Rosa and Dr. Stephen Sinatra. Among many things, they wrote about the healing power of grounding and using earth energy to heal people and homes.

You can find the book here>>

I found this fascinating and began grounding myself and my home. 

I started walking in my bare feet for a few minutes each morning and afternoon on the grass. I purchased grounding mats to use under my computer keyboard and laptop to diffuse the electromagnetic energy.  I soon felt less anxious and my thinking became clearer.  I even purchased a grounding mat for my bed. Within just a few nights, I was having uninterrupted and peaceful sleep. I started to feel more relaxed and more in tune with my senses day in and day out.  Instead of bolting out of bed each morning in a stressed-like state, I found that I could slowly ease into my day and become gentler with myself.  Soon I started discovering more books, videos, workshops, and webinars on space clearing, Feng Shui, and other energy design work. I’m even meditating…., which is a HUGE milestone for me!

grounding mats

You can find the grounding mats here>> 

By slowing down and with the help of some of these tools, I was able to get clear on what’s next for me.  I’ve decided to continue with this energy journey and go even deeper.

After much research, I found that there are other intuitives in the world, just like me doing this type of energy work. I also discovered that this is a bonafide profession. In fact, I can become certified in this type of design and energy work.

I guess it’s true what they say “when the student is ready, the teacher appears.”

This past week, I had the opportunity to speak with Renae Jenson (www.renaejensen.com) of the Conscious Design Institute. Renae is a spiritual healer and a teacher and works very closely with architects, builders, interior designers, and real estate agents. She teaches classes in space clearing, Feng Shui, spiritual staging, and Bau Biologie® (the study of natural building). Renae is the real deal and is a successful house whisperer. I’m excited to tell you that I will soon be enrolling in Renae’s Conscious Design Certification course.

I will continue to offer all my decorating and staging services to my devoted clients, realtors, and friends.  But I am excited about “coming out” and sharing with you the new services I am offering in a holistic design. I will soon be adding these services to my service menu on my website.

So needless to say…. my “Woo Woo” has turned into a “Wee Hoo”!

YEP! I’m trusting the universe, and I’m going for it!!!!

If you feel that your home needs space and energy clearing, please feel free to contact me at 770 714 3430 or email me at [email protected] for a consultation. I’d be delighted to work with you!

Melanie Serra, Interior Designer & Home Stager
Melanie Serra, Interior Decorator, Certified Color, Redesign and Staging Instructor

Award-winning decorator and stylist Melanie Serra has been reviving interiors for over 17 years and has worked with clients in Dallas, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. Melanie Serra’s approach to interior design is fresh and innovative transforming residential and commercial interiors from Now to WOW!

Melanie Serra Interiors - 770-714-3430

Blush for the holidays?  Tis’ the Season to Break Tradition

Blush for the holidays? Tis’ the Season to Break Tradition

Blush …Barely there but oh-so-lovely!

This delicate pink is my pick for this year’s Inaugural Holiday Home Tour Fundraising Event hosted by the Roswell Woman’s Club.

I’m honored to be selected as one of eight interior designers from the Roswell area to participate in this year’s event.  Five Beautiful Homes in the heart of Historic Roswell will be featured and decorated with Holiday décor.

For one day only on November 4th, you’ll get to see first hand these beautifully selected historical homes transformed into holiday masterpieces.

inspiration pieces found at Tuesday MorningInspiration pieces found at Tuesday Morning.

And the story goes …

An unexpected invitation, a cup of coffee with a friend, and a trip to Tuesday Mornings was all the inspiration I needed to choose a color and a theme for this year’s event.  Who would have thought a little pink reindeer would give me the idea to go blush?

Blush can be a challenging color to decorate with since its primarily a feminine shade. But, I have paired it with copper and brought in a touch of nature to create a blush themed holiday display sure to appeal to men and women alike.

Blush, Pantone’s Color of the Year in 2016, was the perfect choice for the Historic Ranch Home converted to Farmhouse Style to which I was assigned. And it is the ideal backdrop for my nature inspired holiday theme.

historic Roswell home

Fireplace surround was taken from a historical site.  The scale is tall and a challenge to decorate.

After meeting with the homeowner, I was permitted to choose the room that inspired me the most.  Selecting the living room, with its neutral furniture and traditional design I took notes, lots of pictures and went to work setting in motion a holiday theme. My goal was to highlight the character of the room by adding a more modern twist. I let everything sit for a couple days while relying on my intuitive impulses to work on the final layout.  Without buying a thing, I visited a few of my favorite stores taking in all they had to offer in my color choice and theme. The real find was when I visited Taylor Kinzel Gallery in downtown Roswell.  The minute I walked in the door, I was drawn to a  contemporary art piece that was reminiscent of birch trees illuminated in pearlescent hues …it fit my vision entirely.  While the piece measuring 60”x60” was too big for space, I knew I could redesign the room to make it work!

room redesignAfter rearranging the room the large-scale art will be perfect on this wall anchored by a large tree adorned in copper and blush.

After that, everything started to fall into place, and I was convinced I was on the right track.  I began to incorporate earthy elements into the mix,  adding various textures such as fur, feathers, bark, metals, and glass to enhance the theme.   However, I felt that there was still one thing missing …a certain item that would bring it all together. But I didn’t quite know what that was yet.

Rudy“Rudy”

Then out of nowhere in the middle of the night, it came to me.  “Rudy” was the answer!

Rudy was a ten-point buck mount.  I found him years ago hidden behind a sofa in a dark and dingy thrift store.  He was dirty and torn, and his nose had been replaced with a ping pong ball. Being the animal rights activist that  I am, I couldn’t leave him hidden in the shadows, so I  rescued him that day. To preserve his essence, I took him home, cleaned him up and hired someone to give him a nose job. Dignity restored, he now resides at my lake home where he greets my guests.

Rudy was the missing link to my holiday room. He is the perfect guy to anchor the antique fireplace and serve as a second focal point in the room. He will be adorned in greenery and blush Christmas décor and will represent nature at its best!

Blush inspirationOf course, a lot of fur goes a long way!

plan comes togetherI love it when a plan comes together.

It is wonderful when my vision, intuition, and creativity all come together. The room has taken shape, and I am honored and excited to be showcasing my work at Roswell’s first Holiday Tour of Homes. Both Rudy and I hope that you will join us at the Inaugural Holiday Home Tour on November 4th.  You can purchase tickets at www.holidayhometour.org.  All the proceeds go to charity, and the accessories and decorations (except for Rudy) will be for sale at the event.

If you’re looking to decorate your home for the holidays, give your favorite Atlanta Interior Designer, (me) a call and let me show you all the ways you can add classic holiday beauty to your home.

Melanie Serra, Interior Designer & Home Stager
Melanie Serra, Interior Decorator, Certified Color, Redesign and Staging Instructor

Award-winning decorator and stylist Melanie Serra has been reviving interiors for over 17 years and has worked with clients in Dallas, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. Melanie Serra’s approach to interior design is fresh and innovative transforming residential and commercial interiors from Now to WOW!

Melanie Serra Interiors - 770-714-3430