Flair is one of those overworked and often misused words whose true meaning is sometimes hard to define. The dictionary defines it as a discriminating sense, a keen perception, an instinctive discernment, and so it can be summed up as a combination of talent, taste and unerring instinct.

Flair in decorating is the individual and often unexpected touch that lifts a room out of conformity and gives it a unique look all it's own. Flair in fact is the stamp of the individualist.

A color scheme, an arrangement of accessories, a grouping of paintings and sculpture, collectors' items, use of mirrors, fabrics and wallpaper can all contribute that special touch of flair to a room.

Mirror Magic

Make mirrors work for you in rooms that are too small, too dark, too confined. Or simply use them decoratively to enhance a setting.

A mirror is more than a looking glass. Skillfully used, mirrors perform magic, space, light, focal and decorative magic. Think of a mirror in many different ways and view it's visual effects from many angles. Mirrors will expand walls outward, take ceilings upward and bring visual depth and the exciting dimension of space to rooms, which need a new point of perspective.

Mirrors are functional. They can introduce a fool-the-eye element to distract attention from structural defects. A mirror can be used to transform a plain table into a decorator's piece, give coordinated beauty to a haphazard furniture grouping, or unity to problem areas in any room. Whenever possible, mirrors should reflect beauty, weather it's a natural or staged reflection.

Accessories...the personal touch

Accessories always add the right finishing touch to a room...in fact, the very personal touch that puts your individual stamp on it.

Any setting, however beautifully decorated, somehow looks cold and un-lived in without those intimate objects that add warmth, whether they are family photographs, memorabilia, collections, sculpture paintings or books. Something specially your own, whether treasured or new, adds the necessary spark of life to the decor of a room.

A collection of old snuff boxes, glass paperweights, pieces of Early Americana, native handicraft, in fact any colorful or unusual accessories perk up a dull corner, add interest to a bookcase. They should be arranged deftly, with symmetry and balance, and combined with other objects for true flair.

Use books as decorative accessories

A library wall or a small set of bookshelves can easily become the decorative focal point in a room. Handsome leather-bound books and vivid paper jackets bring a sea of color to a dull wall or dark corner. Books can be used with a mixture of other objects, sculpture, ceramics, a painting or family photographs. Arranged with flair they have a truly individual look.

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