Every Room has the Same 10 Elements

In Alexandra Stoddard's classic book, "Creating a Beautiful Home", she likes to encourage us to consider  the 10 essential elements in every room before we begin to decorate. As you read her list, you will understand why she chose the word "elements" to describe the aspects of each room that require our attention. She asks us to understand each room by its simplest components. Each room has its own special position in the home, its unique natural light during the day, its size and shape. Stoddard also wants us to learn the importance of making each room into a room we want to live in and enjoy, to make it our special haven, as we decide about each essential element.
As we look at the following 10 elements, Stoddard advises us to think of our present life, our needs, our actual space, and our aesthetic preferences.
Alexandra Stoddard's 10 Essential Elements

1. walls
2. ceilings
3. floors
4. windows
5. furniture
6. lighting
7. fabric
8. color
9. accessories
10. maintenance

Do you see how helpful it can be if you write this list so the list  fills a page, and copy one page for each room? Each element will have some space for your notes or pictures. You will begin to understand how your rooms are all connected, and so your decisions can begin to flow from room to room, as you consider each element.  Thank you, Alexandra Stoddard, for helping us get started on a huge project, by breaking it down into its elements! I think this will help us get going!