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Think Like an Artist, Not Just a Designer
Tutorial, Art, Philosophy Melanie Thomas Tutorial, Art, Philosophy Melanie Thomas

Think Like an Artist, Not Just a Designer

Hi again, friends! I can’t tell you how happy it makes me that you’re here, reading this. As anyone who has spoken to me knows, I love talking about design and being creative. It is my way of problem-solving in a world full of unsolvable problems. War in Gaza and Israel that never seems to end and thousands of innocent people that suffer as the result? Figure out what color to paint my client’s ceiling. Trillion dollar debt? Plan the perfect layout to a difficult living room. Balance a healthy lifestyle and be happy with my current body situation while dreading every iPhone picture despite my body positive attitude? Devise a way to DIY a vintage lamp into a wall sconce. It is my way of controlling my own little piece of the collective world we share. It might seem trite and sure I could volunteer but this is my way of making the world beautiful. I am soooo much better at relating through unspoken gestures than pleasant conversations. When someone tells me that I’ve taught them how to listen to their own creative impulses, I feel like I’ve saved another soul. So in other words, thank you for being here.

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my favorite wallpaper + art combos
Art, Wallpaper, Friday Finds, My Finds Melanie Thomas Art, Wallpaper, Friday Finds, My Finds Melanie Thomas

my favorite wallpaper + art combos

Hello, intrepid design lover! As you may know, I love helping people even if they can’t afford my design services. I think EVERYONE should have a beautiful home.

It might be a little bit weird, but one of my favorite things to do is fantasize about wallpaper… am I the only one? I especially love pairing different themed wallpapers with unexpected art. Like putting a tropical wallpaper with an uber modern print, etc. It’s the unexpected element that gives your space that chef’s kiss. Below, I’ve put together some possible art options for popular wallpaper. Enjoy!

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large art for (somewhat) little money
Art, Resources, My Finds Melanie Thomas Art, Resources, My Finds Melanie Thomas

large art for (somewhat) little money

One of the toughest assignments I give myself as an interior stylist is finding large art that doesn’t suck. If you google “oversized art”, you’ll know my plight. It’s a lot of hotel art and badly pixelized digital prints. And what do you consider large art? I would say anything over 55” on the longer side. Anything huge is simply a matter of luck and a 4AM trip to the flea market. And even then, the likelihood of finding something in pristine condition is low, so be prepared for dings and scrapes.

The other design dilemma is the affordability. If I have over $6K to spend, I’m in business. But often, my budgets are a total of $15K for one room, which includes sofas, chairs, rugs, paint, wallpaper, etc. I can’t spend half the budget on a singular piece of art and leave the rest of the room blank!

So what is a budding interior stylist to do? Well, I get my search engines ready and my filters primed. I’m always on the hunt and here’s what I’ve found lately… my suggestion for you is that if you need large art now, purchase these right away because I have no idea how long they will last.

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How to pick art: part 2
Resources, Art, Tutorial Melanie Thomas Resources, Art, Tutorial Melanie Thomas

How to pick art: part 2

Hello! I've been putting off my blogging duties this weekend - I've been experiencing major migraines and just couldn't look at another screen. Plus, my keyboard is not working so typing has become even more difficult! But duties call and I can't leave you hanging on my next installment on how to pick art for your home. ICYMI, here is my first lesson:

https://www.melaniethomasdesign.com/post/how-to-pick-art-the-basics

My next lesson is in

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get the look without copying
Inspiration, Art, Budget, Tutorial Melanie Thomas Inspiration, Art, Budget, Tutorial Melanie Thomas

get the look without copying

We've all done it. You're flipping through your favorite pins and you come across a jaw-dropper living room. A "stop everything and let's analyze every detail" living room that is absolute perfection. And then you get to the resources and you -- no judgments, I promise -- add everything to your cart. Or even worse, you pin the image and the algorithms deliver the exact products from the pin. That's how they get you! And boy is it tempting to just copy everything you see in that one photo, but I'm here to tell you: "You're better than that." I was definitely guilty of this when I saw Emily Henderson's redesign of Bri Emery's living room:

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large scale art
Art, Resources, My Finds Melanie Thomas Art, Resources, My Finds Melanie Thomas

large scale art

Hello and happy "Day Before You Officially Start Your First Work Week in 2021"! At least that's how I feel. Although, with the new work from home model, more people are working past the regular 9-5 M-F. What else are we going to do?

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