In the last post we discussed the many ways in which homeowners get trapped by changing design trends and how it is very easy to simply go along for the ride in terms of what is popular in design rather than staying true to your own personal preferences. When we do what’s popular instead of what right for us we run the risk of two things: paying a lot of money for design choices that are likely to be considered out of style in a few short years (if that long) and creating a home that is completely out of touch with who we are as people.
Instead, it is important for homeowners to embrace their own personal style and infuse their home with those things that most appeal to them. To that end, it may help to think of conventional items in unconventional ways. Clocks, for instance, are normally used in very traditional manners; mantel clocks are placed on mantels, wall clocks are hung on walls in more formal rooms, and grandfather clocks are reserved for those rooms that are typically the most formal of all in the home.
Instead, try using clocks in a different way to achieve a much more interesting look. For instance, instead of simply placing mantel clocks on a mantel, try using them as design accessories on bookshelves; mix and match several different style mantel clocks and place one on each shelf in a library; add a mantel clock in a country style to a baker’s rack in a kitchen or on a buffet in a dining room.
When it comes to wall clocks and grandfather clocks (or grandmother clocks) don’t think that you have to choose formal pieces to make an impact. Do something different and place both in less formal rooms in a home. Hang a less formal wall clock in a kitchen, or in a family room; move a grandfather clock into a dining room or even in a large eat-in kitchen.
The point is, no matter how you use clocks and other accessories, you should be sure to do what feels good to you rather than what you think is popular. Follow your gut and you can’t go wrong!