The Catch 22 of Home Decorating

– By Janice Llanes Fabry –

It all started when we put up the Christmas tree in a new spot last December. Actually, I suppose it really began when the tree's original setting was usurped by a custom bar we purchased at Rumrunner in East Hampton the summer before. Come the holidays, the cherry wood bar wasn't budging, so we chose the only other corner of the living room far enough away from the fireplace to trim the blue spruce. To make room, however, we had to relocate an end table and two upholstered chairs to the empty entry hall. Voila! The entry hall looked better, warmer and our tree looked grand.

Of course, it wasn't long before its needles dried up and it was relegated to the curb. Now what to do with that void? Decorating a home is like playing with those square mechanical puzzles. Shifting just one piece without following up with another move is impossible. I switch tables, chairs, plants, frames and pillows all around all the time. Redecorating keeps a home from becoming stagnant and rearranging furniture creates different moods. Even more enjoyable is sprucing up a room by introducing new pieces here and there.

Rather than waiting months to replenish my vacant corner by shopping at furniture stores where long-term deliveries take the pleasure out of decorating, I opted for instant gratification. Rye is surrounded by a wealth of home furnishing boutiques and antique shops in Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Port Chester and Greenwich. We're also lucky enough to have fine framing stores and our own Victoria Light and Design shop right here in town.

On this particular occasion, having received a Lillian August Warehouse announcement at about the same time we hauled our tree out the front door, I headed for South Norwalk. A wealth of international furnishings, the warehouse offers both antique and contemporary selections. I chose two leather Louis XV chairs that would complement the rest of my living room and brought them home with me that day.

Another cornucopia of lovely furnishings on a smaller scale is Bridges in Larchmont. There I found a red Chinoiserie corner cabinet along with lush pillows for the new leather chairs. The living room's new look had emerged with different colors and textures.  Of course, the evolution of the entry hall continued. I bought a new ceramic lamp at Victoria Light and Design because the old one seemed dull in the new revitalized entrance. To be honest, by the time I was done (for now), I ended up shuffling vases, table clocks, candles and picture frames. Now where on earth will we put up the tree next year?