Buy what you love and it will all come together. I always try and communicate this to my clients or friends when designing a room. The fact is that it is less expensive to design a room the right way the first time, than it is the wrong way a second time. It has been proven many times in my career that it is more satisfying and less expensive to buy what you love.
It can be as simple as purchasing wallpaper for a room or a mirror for over the fireplace…one detail can enhance the whole look of the room.
images via pinterest
Many people are consistent shoppers and hunt the isles of the local home decor stores. I have found many deals and steals there for sure. Trust me…sometimes there are awesome deals at bargain prices. BUT only buy it if you love, love, love it. If it is on sale or at a bargain price and you are not sure how long you will even “like” it, much less love it, then do not buy it. To me you have just wasted your money. My theory is “Buy what you love and the rest will fall into place”.
The hardest aspect for most people in terms of design is visualization. For me it is second nature. I can see it instantly in my mind; a complete picture all of it is in my mind. If we use this pillow, on this sofa, with this rug…right there; a picture in my mind.
Others struggle with even the smallest selections. I understand that for most people it is extremely overwhelming to choose one or two items, much less a whole room. That is why I love my job. I actually love it…it ignites me inside and feeds my soul. I love what I do!
images via pinterest
I love to design a room with personal items that tell the story of that person or that family. Some people bring home great finds from their travels and adventures. Others like to fill their space with photos of friends and family. How about that favorite accessory that used to sit on your grandparents table in the living room? Any and all items relating to family and friends makes a space more personal and collected over time.
These four pieces of art were hanging in my grandfather’s study before I was born. Every time I look at them now in my foyer, I think of my grandfather and his worn, hunter-green leather club chair that sat across the room from these prints. The black, back-painted glass make it appears that it has a mat but it is actually back-painted which makes it even more unique and special.
What would I buy at any time on any given day where money wasn’t a concern? Art.
On a recent girl’s trip to Maine, we visited many different towns as we made our way through the state and always happened upon the town’s art galleries to check out the local color. Each of us would peruse the gallery at our leisure, then we all meet back and walk through together to point out what we would buy if we had an endless budget. My friend and I picked the same artist at the Camden Falls Gallery. These pieces by Janis Sanders are oils on canvas. I love all of his work from this series.
Artist Janis Sanders
If you are on a budget and want some original pieces, there are plenty of artists and photographers at colleges or art institutes that sell their art at reasonable prices. Or consider your local galleries for many artists offer commissioned pieces.
If you are a pet lover, maybe you would want to have your pet’s likeness painted like this piece by Happy Menocal.
portrait of dog by Happy Menocal
I think a portrait of a pet adds character to any space and tells the story of the people that live there. I adore this cat and the contrast of the black and white. This work and many other originals and prints by Kate Pugsley can be found at Etsy.
One piece in the home that I feel needs to be evaluated when purchasing more than most other pieces is your sofa. This piece can typically stay in your home for five or ten years, or maybe even more. I was in a meeting with a potential client recently and she voiced that she bought her sofa five years ago for $900. Never really loved it when she bought it, but is now stuck with it for it was $900. She noted that if she had bought the $1600 one that she really wanted, she would not be so unhappy all these years. Quick calculation… that is $140 more a year, or should I say, 38 cents more per day to be happy. Seems like a small price to me to be in love with your sofa. Once again, buy what you love and it will all come together.
image via pinterest