Cobi Ladner was the editor of Canadian House and Home magazine for 15 years and in that capacity she looked at the most beautifully designed interiors in Canada. And so, has developed some great insight into how we really should live in our homes.
Watch the segment now in episode 187.
She has seen so many gorgeous homes that have no soul and she's heard from countless homeowners who are stressed by their decorating. Well, Cobi believes it's high time that someone stand up and say, "wait a minute. We should feel thankful at how fortunate we are to be in the position of decorating a safe and dry home - now lets enjoy it!"
Everyone should find the joy in decorating again.
Confidence, pride, individuality, comfort and character are on the decorating agenda. There have been so many dictates over the past 100 years...it's time to find ourselves again. Cobi's Tips on How to Express Your Character in your House
1. Edit: Get rid of clutter that is meaningless and that you don't really like or need.
2. Create a Quiet Corner: Create a comfortable place to read a book, the morning paper, talk to your husband or your child one-on-one. Every home needs a quiet place.
3. Add colour: The single, fastest way to add personality to a home is with colour. It wakes up a room, grabs attention and basically says "hello!" to anyone who visits. Everyone knows which colours make them happy. You may want to just go shopping in your own closets. 4. Heritage & Personal History: Show off your culture, family heritage and childhood . Display items that have a story or secret meaning and make you smile when you think of them.
5. Family photos Family photos, well presented, done well are instant, one-of-a-kind art.
6. Choose a motif Choose something you love - roses, branches, coral, starfish, dogs, owls, squirrels and make them part of your decorating - create interest and personality by repetition.
7.Collections Group your collections together and swap things around, or put some things away every now and again. If you don't have one, start one. It's a great expression of who you are, a wonderful hobby, and it gives people something to give you as a gift.
8.Hobbies: Hobbies and interests should be very visible in your home - show off your books, your projects, souvenirs of your travel. It tells us who you are!
9.Flowers: Treat yourself to flowers - either real or fake - look for good quality artificial ones with subtle colouring for the times when the real flowers at the market are poor. Either way, they brighten up a room like nothing else. 10.Finally, USE your home: It may sound silly, or obvious, or perhaps you've heard it before. But that's because it's true - turn off the tv and listen to your music, read your books, use your special dishes, look at your photo albums, light your candles, hang a new piece of art, change your furniture around... Just putter. And once and for all, give up on the 'model home look'. Just tell yourself what Cobi does: "there's beauty in a home that's a little worn around the edges. It shows that you're alive."
