What Would the Setbacks Do?

Email questions to advice[at]thesetbacks.com

Feng Shui?

January 15th, 2003

M. Stewart writes:

Hey guys, I've been to a couple of your shows and I've realized that you guys have great style. Actually each one of you have your own style which is why I'm interested it what your views are on this.

I am wondering how I should decorate my new apartment? It is pretty small and boxy so I was wondering if you have any tips that could help the room look more inviting. Should I follow a theme or should I just slap some paint on the walls? Thanks for the help.


Trevor		 More home improvement questions? I'm starting to see a pattern in the advice.

I've never painted anything and anywhere I've lived has always sort of been thrown together decorating wise. But I have looked at paint samples, and the one thing that gets my goat is how they come up with those names. Here are some names that I've been shopping around to paint manufacturers:

Hemorrhoid Red
Jaundice
Hepatitis Blue
Blood Shot Red
Gangrene (or Gang Green, it's a play on words!)
Pink Eye Pink

Those are just a few. I'm quite proud of myself for staying away from the Pee Pee Yellow and Poo Poo Brown jokes. I guess I'm growing up.

Steve		 Hey, Martha Stewart!!
Yeah, I'm looking at you Townsend...where's the punchline?
Signed,
-Disappointed

Paul		 I think you are right in saying that we have our own style. I will give you my opinion on style and decorating. For me fashion should go hand in hand with function. Whether this is for the way you dress or how you decorate your home. I also enjoy simplicity. To much clutter or patterns can be hard on the senses.

Start with the couch or furniture. Make sure it is comfortable because you will be using it most of the time. If your couch is against a wall, paint the wall the same colour as the couch. This will make the couch look like part of the wall and open up the room. I'm not really big on pastels and light colours. I think dark colours work well if you do it right. Mix dark colours with complementary light colours. Keep the cieling a light colour to avoid the ceiling "closing in" on guests.

I think I could write a bunch more on this subject but I'll leave you with these little tidbits to help you start. If you have more specific questions don't hesitate to ask.

(Re: Steve's "Advice"
I'm sorry that I didn't have a punchline for you but I have to take some of the questions seriously. I don't want to lose my AAC membership.)

Chris		 I've actually been seeing a stylist coach. I was told that I need to look a little more like a starving artist, so after losing 20 lbs, and shopping only at second hand stores, I should be better able to answer your question.

-chris

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