Greenbook: A Local Guide to Chesapeake Living - Issue 8 | Page 41

may be architecturally interesting, and the sense of being up and away from the noise below may make concentrating or resting easier.  Hilly and Sally recently transformed an attic into a lovely spare room and a spare closet into a cozy nook.  The bottom line is to think outside of traditional decorative and design constraints.  BUILD FROM THE GROUND UP Downsizing from a large property into a smaller home does not mean that you have to get rid of the furniture and accessories you love. Start your design project with large basic pieces that you own or purchase, such as sofas and console tables. Then build from the ground up, accessorizing with accents that match the new space. These accents may include fabrics, frames, wall art, lamps, tables or desks you already have or things you find along the way.  Don’t be afraid to mix styles! A valuable piece of artwork may coordinate well with a repurposed chest of drawers or humble souvenir. A classic and expensive rug may pair well with a well-priced couch. MAKE BASE PIECES NEUTRAL Choosing neutral, solid textiles for foundation pieces allows the freedom to stylistically explore on-trend décor through careful selection of unique accessories. Sally notes that neutral bases allow for easier re-style and de-design in the future without having to invest in large and expensive pieces.  This strategy is especially helpful if you move often.  “We get many clients who are military families, recent retirees or new home buyers relocating in and out of Annapolis. We always encourage these families to put their money into quality foundation pieces that will accommodate whatever space they land in”, says Hilly.  By the way, these basic pieces don’t have to be expensive. Sally and Hilly find amazing, like-new couches, chairs and tables in consignments shops, auctions, estate sales, warehouses and at local seasonal furniture sales. “We once found a $1000 Ikea sectional in pristine condition on Craigslist. We sourced a brand new linen slipcover for it off EBay. In this case, our client got a foundation piece for a fraction of the original price. The best part is that the slipcover can be changed out for something new at any time”, said Sally.  DON’T OVER DECORATE Once you have your space clean, sophisticated and re-styled, don’t revert to your cluttered ways. “Our philosophy is that Simple is Classic and Elegant”, Sally and Hilly agree.  “As you add pieces or accessories back into a room, you will intuitively sense when it looks just right. That is when you need to stop”.  Annapolis Seafood sign created specifically for the client to pull the room together - made from an old cabinet door. CONTACT Email: [email protected] www.facebook.com/AnnapolisRestyle Telephone: [phone] GREENBOOK | SUMMER 2016 41