Stories & Haven

I’ve lost count of how many times someone has told me they want to “start over” with a room; not because they don’t like the furniture, but because the overall space doesn’t feel like them.

So, ask yourself, “what is in this room that I love?”

Rarely do I hear the answer of “nothing.” More often, it’s a chair you’ve had for years, the artwork you picked up on vacation, or a treasure that has followed you from one home to the next. These pieces already tell your story. They’re the best place to begin because they remind you that your home doesn’t need to be replaced, it just needs to be rediscovered.

Start there.

Then think about how you want the space to feel; layered and cozy? minimal and clean? Or a polished magazine worthy look?

Don’t continue to buy “sets” of furniture or trendy accessories hoping that it will make the room look and feel complete, it almost never does. It needs to be personal, a reflection of your personality, and how you live in the space.

Start with what you love, take away the pieces that simply don’t work for you anymore, and sit with that. It’s fine if the room feels a little baren, now that you have a foundation, it will be much easier to add things that will work for you.

Now, take a look through other rooms, are there pieces that would work better in this space than where they are? I often find myself “shopping” in my own home; I frequently buy interesting pieces and may not have a place in mind for them initially, and that’s ok – this is how we layer in the things we love, without spending money on things we don’t need or want. Not everything needs to match, but it does need to be uniquely you.

So, before you go…

Think about this – don’t buy anything this week. Take a meaningful walk through your home. Sometimes the best decorating decision isn’t buying something new, it’s seeing something familiar with fresh eyes, and finding a better “home” for it.

A beautiful home isn’t about buying more, but every home has a story – let’s make yours beautiful.

Until next time…