Photography is a lot like interior decorating in regards to working or not working with color. Design instinct and inspiration guide the creative process. Light, forms, tone and balance optimize not only the shot but the space. Forgive my simplistic explanation, but plainly put, some photos only work in color and others only work in black and white.
Since finding a renewed popularity complements of a current political campaign, the Simon & Garfunkel 1968 single “America” is once again on my playlist. The impact of a great hook paired with powerful lyrics mirrors the impact of classic design coupled with an impressive decorating style.
While discovering “America” I rediscovered another Simon & Garfunkel favorite, “My Little Town.” You may be wondering what possible connection there could be between a couple of Simon & Garfunkel songs and design and decorating. Design instinct and inspiration, my friends. One never knows where one will find it. I hit the streets of my little town photographing local landmarks. Although photographed in color, a monochromatic color scheme captured aspects of the images that color failed to.
Photo editing, enhancements and touch-ups generate a refined result. It’s the same with decorating. Editing, enhancements and touch-ups help to achieve a polished look. Making pretty is an exercise in trial and error, correction and confidence. Gorgeous isn’t always achieved right out of the gate.
Going with your first design instinct, or at the very least a tweaked variation of it, proves visually successful more times than not. I failed to practice what I preach with this chandelier. I was convinced a pop of designer color over my first choice of painting the fixture white would put to rest any doubt my decorating choices were in a rut or unimaginative. Fan deck after fan deck, I could not get a peace about any other color choice other than white. The lyrics from “My Little Town” kept running through my mind.
And after it rains
There’s a rainbow
And all of the colors are black
It’s not that the colors aren’t there
It’s just imagination they lack
The pieces of the color palette puzzle finally fit when I decided to go with my first instinct. I remembered one of my standard decorating solutions- the color white never fails to make a classic statement. The color is there, and imagination is not lacking. I showed decorating doubt the door and practiced my own brand of design instinct and inspiration.
