Joetta Moulden's work as a photo stylist has been featured in many of the magazines you've probably been a subscriber to for years: Redbook, Good Housekeeping and Better Homes & Gardens represent just a few of the titles she's appeared in.
She and I first met about 5 years ago when I had two projects scheduled to be featured in Kitchen and Bath Makeovers magazine. She interviewed me, helped me compile all the information that was needed for the articles, and -- the fun part -- styled my project's photo shoots!
On the day of the shoot, she arrived on-location, loaded down with flowers and accessories, ready to style the spaces and work hand-in-hand with the photographer. It was so much fun, but also a lot of hard work! Even though I consider myself to be a bit of an expert when it comes to styling, I can admit that I learned a lot from Joetta on those days. And believe me . . . I took careful note of what she pulled out of her car and other parts of the home to expertly set the stage for those images.
Styling has a lot to do with creating an ambience that compliments the story of a particular project. So shouldn't your home tell a story about you and your family? Of course it should!
As a designer who's all about making your home feel unique, special and all about you, I'm a big fan of other talents who also believe that a well-designed environment is one that's functional, beautiful, and inspiring.
Joetta Moulden, CEO and owner of ShelterStyle.com, operates by that exact same philosophy. That's why I'm excited she accepted my invitation to come by today and share some of her styling secrets! Joetta was interior design editor then editor of Houston Home & Garden magazine in the 70's and 80's before directing her talents to magazine photo styling 30+ years ago. Equally at ease styling traditional, country, or contemporary environments, she excels at making an ordinary room picture perfect in short order by rearranging what's there and introducing a few new elements.
Do you want your home styled so that it not only reflects your personality, but also looks beautiful enough to grace the cover of a magazine? (I sense you're saying "yes") Then do as I did when I worked with Joetta and take notes on everything she's about to reveal. You're not going to want to forget any of this...
Hi, everyone! This is Joetta. Thanks so much for having me over today!
I started ShelterStyle.com -- my home makeover service that designs rooms using items you already have -- in 2000, because so many homeowners suggested I should. You see, after having worked as a stylist, my eyes became trained to see rooms just like a camera sees them, and this unique perspective forever changed the way I look at a space. And, just maybe, if you follow my 10 tips listed below, you too will be able to start designing with picture perfect style.
Painting the back of your living room bookcases to make objects "pop."
Do this by using paint colors that match fabrics or a rug in the room so that the look "flows" properly.
Create a focal point in a room.
Make it a bookcase, fireplace, rug, etc.. If you use a rug, think big rather than small.
Think big.
I would rather see one large painting, pillow, rug or objet d’art in a room than dozens of little things.
Start with a neutral background.
I would rather see you commit to printed throw pillows that can be easily replaced than an entire sofa that's designed in a busy print. Anyway you slice it, 1.5 yards of fabric costs less than 20 yards of fabric!
Top hardwood floors with area rugs.
And leave a "frame" of wood at least l8” around the room.
Fill your home with art.
Hang art so that it relates to what it is hanging next to or over, rather than following some rule like, ‘place the piece at eye level.' (Whose eye level do you use? A 5’ tall person or a tall basketball player?)
Also, consider hanging art in unexpected places, such as in a window or on the spine of a bookcase.
Use antique accessories.
They keep rooms from looking like a gift shop, and the weathered engraving, frame or box, brings softness to a room.
Use curtain panels.
They soften a wall’s hard edges, finish a room, and can visually raise low ceilings. Pair them with operable 2-inch blinds, woven wood blinds or shutters for privacy. Look at websites like Houzz.com to find styles you like.
Contrast textures for interest.
Play cotton velvet against shiny silk, add bouillon fringe to linen, or set a shiny silver bowl on top of a rough wood box.
This technique helps play down the formality of an antique.
Think outside the box.
Mount inexpensive, carved coconut heads in a straight line, like they're antique masks. Prime and paint almost anything that has good ‘bones’ to make it work with your interiors.
And there you have it! For more insights, feel free to reach out to me @ ShelterStyle.com!