The New RH Through a Different Set of Eyes
So often when I am “Showing Off” the Columbus area to new Buckeyes, my clients are surprised to learn of the many brick and mortar stores we have at our convenience. There are still many shoppers that like to feel the fabric, sit on the chair, critique room settings, and compare prices. I just took the time to explore the New Restoration Hardware which includes not only home furnishings but a restaurant and bar. At the time I researched, there were only 5 of the new stores open...NYC, Nashville, Toronto, Napa, and COLUMBUS, OHIO.
Many buyers may think of RH as Chromophobia, Colorless, Neutrals Only, 50 Shades of gray, but I consider a visit to RH to be a stroll through ideas that I can create in my budget.
Tell me in the comments - what do you think of the new Restoration Hardware?
Green is a Needed Neutral Color
Many of the centerpieces are filled with green moss and they look fantastic in pricey containers featured in many of the rooms. The truth is ...you can use green moss in many of your own containers and/or inexpensive finds. An old, long flower pot will look fantastic! I consider green to be a neutral color but it is also my very favorite color... Every room needs some green.
Moss is my favorite, but green split peas, sand, and some types of beans can also look great in a container.
In most of my listings, I hire a stager to help transform the home to a product that will be sold at top dollar. Many times, if a seller does not own a few needed items, I lend standard items out from my lower level, better known as our basement. My collection includes white bedding, white towels, neutral lamps, baskets, old books, and artificial ferns that are now known as my magic ferns. The magic fern origin began when a seller and my photographer were both sure the ferns were magic as the properties sold in a few days. I only wish that was true!
Books, Books, and More Books
Old books, new books, covered books are all great in decorating a room. In many of the RH rooms, white books are used as fillers in wall units, stacked to add height, or on tabletops to add interest. I have many books from my great grandmother’s house that I have used for years that I treasure. I have also purchased different size books, sets of encyclopedias, and maps at the Half Price Book Store. I can cover the book with paper, paint or even use shoe polish to change the color of the covers to match a room, Use your imagination when you stack the books to hide the covers or change the direction. My husband loves his books and I do leave them alone as he has them organized by author, a subject which is certainly not my “cup of tea”. We are opposites in almost every way...makes life interesting.
Wall Decor
I loved the look of a collection of items all in matching black frames covering a wall in a room. My first reaction was $$$ and what if I get tired of branches, or medallions, etc. Similar frames can be purchased for much less, use plain shelf paper, wrapping paper or fabric for the background. Select branches, coins found in children’s toy store, medallions, buttons, sheet music, fabric, photographs, or any other collection you might want to feature in your room.
Art made from Wood.
Loved several wood art pieces that were tagged $$$. One of my favorite wood pieces came from Lake White in Waverly, Ohio. When I spotted this unusual piece of wood and with the help of a small team, we loaded this very heavy soon to be art, on to a pontoon boat. I took it home, put it in a wheelbarrow with 3 gallons of Clorox and left in the sun for almost a month. And ta-da it is still one of my favorite pieces in our home...certainly one of a kind.
Architectural Piece
Loved the architectural pieces throughout RH. Again, they were very pricey and all exactly alike. This black piece is now on top of a chest but has been several places in our home and painted gold, silver, or white depending on location and room. Visit the Columbus Architectural Salvage, Flea Markets, or Junk Stores to find some treasures.
Happy Hunting!