We recently heard from Michele, a mother of five in Virginia, about her decorating frustrations. She would like to enjoy her home more and make it a reflection of herself and her family, but she doesn’t know where to start. “If I could change something about my house, it would be the lack of decorating,” she said. “The walls barely have anything on them. I’m scared to take what I like and apply it to my rooms because it seems like I can never achieve the look and feel I want. So instead, I do nothing.”
Can you relate? This blog and the next are meant to help you overcome decorating inertia and get the most out of your home.
There’s a saying that all politics are local. Maybe so. But I do believe that all decorating is personal. Here are several exercises to break the “Where do I start?” dilemma that comes over some of us when faced with an empty room or a blank wall.
• Step 1: Create a personal experience at home. Create a scenario for lunch for one or afternoon tea. Pick the place, select the basics–let’s say your teacup and pot–and then add the extras: a pretty napkin, a single flower in a bud vase, a placemat for the cookie plate, a book to peruse while you relax. You are “decorating” without any pressure and enjoying it. It takes only a moment and it is a good way to remember that it’s what makes you happy and content that matters in design.
• Step 2: Look around. What do you see in books, magazines and other peoples’ homes that you admire? Keep a journal or a file, even if only in your head. Few of us are so original that we don’t rely on a little research. Do you have a favorite painting? Have you seen a film where you loved the sets? All these resources are there for you to begin to assemble your own personal choices. Personally, I never paint a room without a painting or print in front of me. Artists have a lot of imagination and courage with the way they select color and arrange objects.
Hopefully, these two ideas will help you get started. Stay tuned for our next blog post, when I’ll offer up three more tips for overcoming decorating inertia.
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I love these ideas and especially the file idea. In my file (which is actually a Victorian accounting blank book), I have hundreds of pictures, clipped, mostly, from Victoria magazine. I have found that arranging them by “season” helps me, too. And yes, pulling colors or themes from one object (in my case, it’s the rug I own) has helped me get over my decorating inertia. So nice to read this, can’t wait for part II.
Thanks, Nancy!
Kay
I have the opposite problem. Small space and too much stuff. We’ve just been editing like crazy and it feels fabulous. You connect with who you are, your rooms aren’t static. A good de-cluttering is a great first step in overcoming decorating inertia.
if you haven’t discovered freecycle or craigslist, they are great. Those plants that had been taking over my sunroom are now in the driveway awaiting pick up. Someone wants whatever you have, even beginner piano books…and will most likely come to your house to take it off your ands.
Having moved a great deal in my life, I have found that my home finally has the feel and look I crave just about the time we are moving again. This home is not the exception, it is almost where I want it and we are moving. Your ideas give me hope that my next home will come together a bit quicker. Thank you.
Hi Jessica, we are so glad that Nancy’s article on our blog encouraged you about the next exciting “chapter” in creating a personal home! Best wishes from Hooker Furniture.