by Catalogs.com Info Guru Aurora LaJambre
Visiting Graceland is a memorable way to pay tribute to Elvis Presley.
Once there, it’s almost impossible to browse the king’s former home without noting his keen, sometimes wild, sense of style.
These decorating tips straight from Graceland will bring unique touches and a bit of flare into your home.
10. Kitsch can be cool
Visiting Elvis’s Graceland mansion is an experience. Its more than a museum, the place exudes that genuine “lived in” feel in part because the legend had a thing for kitsch long before it was cool. Unlike many designed homes, everywhere you turn there’s much to see. This place is full of detail from plush carpets and ornate lamps, to mirrored walls reflecting it all right back. Modern design convention steers clear of busy-ness, but you don’t have to. If you want trinkets and patterns, make space for them. Stop by the museum store at Graceland to load up on Elvis-theme decorating accents.
9. Extend the legend of you
Graceland is an extension of the king’s legend. Let your home be an extension of your personality. Furnish it with quality indoor and outdoor furniture, as well as wacky, comfy chairs and bright paisley carpet if that’s what you like.
8. Give your partner some say
Rumor has it one of Elvis’s girlfriends, Linda Thompson, decorated the mansion to suit her tastes – supposedly, even the king thought the leopard skin and red furs were a little much for a home. Like it or not, one reason Graceland remains a destination is because the home is a creation.
7. Do what you want
Fans are well aware of his music, dancing and acting talents, but it takes stepping into his home to see his personal style unfold first hand. Elvis was a sex symbol, a music icon and a guy who liked to watch three TVs at the same time. Of all the decorating tips straight from Graceland, take this one to heart. Whether choosing colors, furniture or a room’s purpose – do what you want. It’s your space.
6. Toot your horn
At Elvis Presley’s Graceland, visitors can see displays of movie posters, records, clothing, shoes, awards and even Priscilla’s wedding dress. Perhaps you don’t require an entire building to honor your accomplishments, but some part of the home ought to recognize where you’ve been and nod at where you hope to go.
5. White on white
To achieve the actual look and feel of this most famous home, try designer window treatments and the white on white approach – the bigger the better. Elvis had a 15-foot long plush white sofa in his white living room with white carpeting. This is one of the more subdued rooms, and serves as a welcome contrast to the more elaborate ones.
4. Highlight your favorites
In the white living room, the king proudly displayed a painting given to him by his father. By design, this painting is the main focal point of the entire room. People see it and want to know who Elvis is on a deeper level. Whether it’s art, a gift or item you cherish, use neutral colors to highlight your favorite things.
3. Indulge
Decorating tips straight from Graceland are all about creating the space you want with the resources you have. Elvis spared no expense in expanding and upgrading his home as he wished. Set on 13.8 acres with 23 rooms, a portico with columns, 2 chimneys, stone steps, statues and stained glass, the decor emphasizes the unique results of saying yes to every impulse.
2. Themed rooms
Even if you haven’t been, you’ve probably heard of Presley’s themed rooms. There are the famous gates with music notes and the den, better known as the jungle room, complete with lush green carpets, wood furniture and exotic animal statues. Home is the place to let your most adventuresome ideas sing.
1. Make it personal
Look past the velvety curtains, grand piano and golden curtains, and you’ll see a display of family photos of Priscilla and Lisa Marie, an eclectic collection of art and the kind of chair anyone would love to sink into. Pay tribute to your passions and people you love by including them in the décor.