Unless you’ve been living under a rock lately , you know that Oprah Winfrey is completely redecorating her Santa Barbara Home! Many have bought the chance to jump on Oprah’s sofa, with the recent auction of her possessions – light fixtures, fine art, personal memorabilia and furniture. Oprah herself was even present at the auction and the proceeds all went to one of her many charity organizations.
The current interior was designed by the late Decorator, Anthony P. Browne and was done in a very English Country style that she now realizes is no longer who she is. It was more about impressing people and living up to what others expected of her. In her own words “I started to notice little things, like the fact that my living room wasn’t designed for living”. She admits there was really no place to put her feet up, always afraid that the dogs would slobber on the silk slipcovers, and although very impressive to her guests, they would be perched on the edge of the opulent sofa for fear of getting fingerprints on it. You can read the full article from O magazine here.
Where you live should reflect who you really are, and for that reason, Oprah now wants to create a home that’s all her own. Those are definitely words I encourage my clients to live by in my own decorating practice.
So what would I do for Oprah if she called on me to redecorate her Santa Barabara home?
She has clearly gone through many decorating styles and trends, from contemporary to English country and many others in between. So what would I do differently?
As a busy head of an empire, I would expect that she would want something homey, cozy and comfortable to come home to. I would go with a “New Traditional Style” but slightly more casual and relaxed. This way she could even repurpose, refresh and reuse some of her older, favorite pieces (she may be on a budget, you never know ). I would create for her a home with very muted, soothing, cool grayed tones, classic furniture pieces that are not so precious that she is afraid to use them. Seating that are comfortable and invites you to sit and relax, or curl up with a great book. Warm wood floors and beautiful area rugs that are comfortable underfoot. I would definitely keep her pets in mind, by choosing fabrics that are very pet friendly and easy to use, so they can slobber all they want. A very harmonious home that’s light and airy and flows very well from room to room.
These are some color palettes from Design Seeds that I would choose for my good friend Oprah
Now this bathroom comes to mind when I think about what I would do in her master bathroom
Notice the warm, dark wood floors, the beautiful texture of the grasscloth wallpaper, and that awesome vintage inspired tub! I think these would definitely appeal to her senses.
I would definitely consider some elements of these rooms found from various sources on the internet for Oprah’s makeover.
So Oprah, if you are reading this, please know that I truly believe that for someone who does so much good and selfless deeds for others, you should have a place to come home to that really reflects who you are inside. A home that is your escape from the very busy life that I know you lead. A home that is warm, cozy and almost feels like it gives you a welcome hug everytime you walk through the door. I’m sure you’ve already picked out a celebrity designer for your epic makeover……but I’ll take even the laundry room – By the time I’m through, you’ll want to do your own laundry
For you my loyal readers, I hope you find some inspiration from today’s post about creating the home you want to LIVE in. It’s all about you after all…..and not what others think.
Please contact me here if you have any questions about my design services and definitely if you are Oprah Winfrey
Please comment, like and share this post and feel free to connect with me on social media. Click here for my about.me profile
My Fall Sale is almost over. Hop on over to my online store and take advantage of special savings on designer bedding, pillows and custom drapery panels, plus free shipping! SHOP NOW
And one more order of business – Please support my Indiegogo campaign to restore my cute Victorian design studio by clicking here! You can contribute or share on social media or both! Help me make it happen!
Have a great Monday!
Be Inspired!
Thanks for your comments
I know when she chooses you, she will be thrilled with the results! (I purposely wrote when!) congratulations Vee! You’re receiving the recognition you deserve!
Thanks Loretta! Means alot coming from you
I do not know Oprah Yet, but when i do, i will tell her she should be knocking on your door!
Awwww thanks Robert. I’m sure you will be a guest on her network sometime soon
There is absolutely no reason for her not to pick you and every reason for her to pick you Veronica!! After all, one look at the work you’ve done… you’d be a sure winner!
Thanks Meli! I’m sure she’s already picked someone….but it never hurts to get Oprah’s attention
You got some really good taste! Love all the paint choices you have and that bathroom!! Just awesome! Love the clean look! Would be great if you got picked!!
Thanks Marielle
I love the pictures you used to show your color choices. I personally prefer warmer tones, but the pictures are way cool!
Thanks Sharon
I love all of these rooms! Especially the bathroom!
They are great looking rooms
I hope Oprah calls you. I would have loved to be at that auction. Although I might only be able to afford a throw pillow!
haha! I know! Thanks so much Kelly
I just love these colors and pictures you have here…Oprah will just love all of these!
I am sure she will. Waiting patiently by the phone
I really love this blog,the picture and colors is great!, Oprah will surely love all of this too!.
Thank you! I just know she will
It would be such a big deal if she picked you!! Fingers crossed for you!
Wow! That would be a happy day!
I think Oprah Winfrey should hire you Veronica if she cant afford you.
Thanks Dov
I am not Oprah.. and I don’t even live close enough to get you to decorate my house.. but you seem to have hit a lovely style for Oprah… and maybe for me too. I love what you do. If I run into Oprah I will tell her LOL !!
I’d love that Terry. Lol. Thanks
I hope Oprah does reach out to you. your eye for color is amazing
Wouldn’t that be awesome?!
So awesome! You have great taste! If Oprah reaches out to you to decorate I will gladly come visit and we can all cruise through wine country and go tasting:) LOL. I hope Oprah reaches out to you!
That would be so awesome Dani! I know you know your wines
Oh yes! I will come meet up with you guys:)
Veronica you are truly talented and I hope Opera chooses you! I love that you thought of what a busy lady she must be running her empire and probably wants to come home, sink into her sofa and relax. The “New Traditional” idea sounds like something she might like! Plus I’m a big fan of re-purpose and reuse wherever possible. =)
Thanks Annette! I think that is totally her style. Guess we’ll see when she calls
What an exciting time for you. Good luck and remember us when you’re famous!
Thanks Jim. I certainly will
I think I must live under a rock because I had no idea about Oprah. Of course I hardly watch TV. You would be a great choice for her. If she could only see all your lovely work. I just love the kitchen and living room you pictured above.!
Lol. I understand Irene. I hardly watch TV myself. Thanks for your kind words
You must be very talented to be considered for this. I really like your designs.
Lol. Brad, I’m not being considered for this. I think she’s already chosen her Decorator. It’s meant as a fun post…..maybe some hope and wishful thinking thrown in there. Who knows, it may land on Oprah’s laptop screen. You just never know
PS. I am really talented
How exciting. I heard she was doing a garage sale. Good luck!
Lol thanks Jeff!
I really like your color choices. Oprah couldn’t go wrong with you!
Thanks Casey!
You have great taste and an amazing career ahead of you in design!
I appreciate that Stephanie! Thank you
I sure wish you were closer. Love love your decor taste!
Thanks Marjory. I do have my Mail Order Decorator service available. So even though you are far away, you still can have great design style by yours truly
I am sure you would be a fantastic choice.
Thank you Debi!