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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (Aug. 1, 2012)
C huck Arbuckle didn’t start off doing interior design – his first partner was a dog groomer, so Arbuckle opened a grooming salon and shop. But it wasn’t long before Arbuckle realized he’d rather be using his talents on PARLORS INSTEAD OF POOCHES. Interior Designer Chuck Arbuckle. He gave Just Out some decorating advice. Arbuckle: Advice DO BE SURE THAT YOUR ROOMS WILL FUNCTION AS NEEDED. For example, if the front door enters into the living room, don’t clutter the entry with bookcases because you feel it is unused space. This is a greeting place, not a storage place. Likewise, if the main living space is used also as a pathway to other rooms, make sure one can walk through unobstructed. DO PAY ATTENTION TO WHERE YOUR ELECTRICAL OUTLETS ARE LOCATED. Good lighting is required for serviceability from reading a book to setting the tone for a romantic evening. DO STAY AWAY FROM TRENDS. Trends — as in what you see in stores today — are short lived and can be a waste of money in the long term. You can follow trends in a small way, like with pillows, funky artwork or paint colors, which can always be changed. DO REMEMBER IF OTHERS LIVE IN THE HOME, THE DECOR IS NOT JUST FOR YOU. When decorating, always take others into consid- eration. We often think of that when we look at durability of fabric, espe- cially with children and pets, but there is more to consider. I once worked on a home for an older couple. I asked the husband if he had any color preferences. He said "no pink or blue." His wife replied, "Honey, we've lived with those colors for 25 years. Why didn't you tell me"? He said, "You never asked." So always ask. DO SPEND THE MOST MONEY ON ITEMS YOU KEEP THE LON- GEST. Quality and durability go hand in hand. A rickety, cheap bed will always be a rickety, cheap bed. Once the newness wears off, in two months, you will begin to hate it and you will do so until you replace it. Buy wisely. August 2012 DON’T BE MATCHY MATCHY. There is one place where the drapes should match the carpet, and it's not in your home. DON'T OVER SPEND IN AREAS OF YOUR HOME THAT REMAIN WHEN YOU LEAVE. Even if you think you’re living in your forever home, overspending on something you can’t take with you is a waste of money. DON’T DUPLICATE A TREND IF YOU DIDN’T LIVE THROUGH IT. I have seen so many efforts by younger people to recreate the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s, and they are always incomplete. A trend doesn’t say who you really are, anyway; it's just fantasy. DON’T FORGET TO PLAN FOR THE FUTURE. If you are a single home owner and expect to find true love, don't use up all of the space. Remember, love comes with baggage. DON’T BUY ON IMPULSE. Don't let your immediate needs, emotions, convenience or even budget be the sole deciding factor when buying any- thing for your living environment. Feel who you are, where you want to be in five years, and then ask yourself, "Will this still satisfy my requirements then?” For more information: chuckarbinteriors.com or 503-243-5225. JustOut.com 29
