How photo genic is your house?

MANILA, Philippines - Ten years ago, it wouldn’t have mattered. But with our interest growing interest in chronicling every single life event through photos, it wouldn’t hurt to not have to travel far for a good backdrop. In a time when photography seems to have become a national pastime, it’s no longer so trivial to want to create a home that photographs well. It is, in fact, a way of exercising creativity and resourcefulness. There’s also that obvious benefit of creating the home that you’ve always wanted, a  beautiful space that inspires you to live.

Find your anchor Newspapers and magazines that feature home interiors are drawn to  thematic homes – those that are anchored by a unifying inspiration, like color, travel, or even function. The benefit of having a unifying inspiration for your interiors, whether your want to be featured in a publication or not, is the continuity that it brings. A well- defined aesthetic is not stiff. In fact, it flows from room to room, allowing the space to breathe, and you, enough room to relax, work, and play.

Not so sure what theme you want for your home? Take ideas from your favorite dress (color and pattern), your favorite photo (travel), or the piece of furniture you love most (function). From there, you can brainstorm with your interior designer – or your friends – for more ideas.

Next step is to decide on a focal point – the operative word being ‘decide’. Too many showpieces will make your home look cluttered, and it defeats the purpose on anchoring   your design. Pick a wall pattern or color that best captures your chosen theme. Anna  Spiro, an interior designer from Brisbane, Australia, has a design blog aptly called  Absolutely Beautiful Things and it features a wealth of design inspiration. Creaturecomforts. typepad.com is also a great resource for fashion-inspired interior design and furniture ideas.

Build your design around your focal point but don’t be afraid to sparingly introduce pieces that aren’t necessarily in accord with your theme. Texture adds interest in photographs, as in real life. Avoid living in a one-dimensional home by using clashing yet complimentary prints, even mixing elements. A warm element like wood will work well with metal, to make your home modern without being frigid-modern.

Let the light in The importance of good lighting cannot be stressed enough – whether you’re having a dinner party or washing the dishes, it’s important to have a well lighted place for you to do these things.

Natural light is always good at letting beauty shine and translate through the lens, but taking photos indoors, you don’t always have the amount of light that you need.

One photographer who specializes in capturing architectural interiors says it’s important not to put a light near the camera. Shadows are important for depth, but they should be coming towards you instead of away from you to get that effect. Soft, amber lighting seems to be the most flattering. Think posh hotel powder room lights – they always make you look good, don’t they?

Interior designer Jigs Adeguin says mirrors are a great way to cheat your way to getting balanced lighting throughout the house. When placed at the proper spots, light from the outside and indoors is maximized. And though Filipinos are generally not big on lamps, Adefuin says they come in especially handy when you have people over and they add depth to photos as well. Don’t forget to turn them on when taking pictures.

Try DIY

You can’t buy happiness, especially when happiness is a jewel and shell encrusted vanity table glazed twice over (first magenta, next mahogany). In such cases, it’s best to take  matters into your own hands and create your own happiness.

Go to your favorite hardware or home improvement store and inquire about custom  designed tables and shelves. Their creations will serve as the canvass for your  asterpiece. Apart from tables and shelves, you can also customize your headboards or make your own – set up a mural behind your bed, or mount fabric with a pretty pattern on a  cushioned frame.

Add a touch of personality to your home by hanging portraits of you and your family, mementos from your travels, and things you like to collect. These items are special in every way, so be sure to give them a spot in the house where they are best displayed. Your home will have a lot more charm and this will translate in pictures.

A simple backdrop

Finally, just as you make sure that you have enough space to move around the house, be sure to have enough wall space as well, where you can do family portraits during special occasions. A handsome armchair or couch against a charming backdrop will do. Final touches like fresh colorful flowers or a colorful throw will make the “set” seem  effortlessly put together  – like you bothered, but not really.

Create one in every room of the house, so you don’t have to think of how to compose

your photos every time. You can change it up every six months, or as needed, if the areas are getting too recognizable in your albums.

Never sacrifice comfort

At the end of the day, literally, an uncomfortable home is never a happy one, masterfully designed it may be. You should know by now that priority should be placed on comfort and function when decorating your interiors. As you create your comfort zones, a soft, all-occasion sofa, a well-lit dining area, a bedroom fit for a queen, remember that comfort

can also be stylish – so your fondest moments at home will look great in photos every time.