The Best Decorating Advice I Ever Received
When you are thinking about or in the process of decorating a room or home, this is the best home decorating advice I ever received. It has become second nature to me and about more than simply knowing how to arrange furniture or how to choose a color scheme. I have been decorating rooms and homes for over 35 years. I began when I was in junior high and started reading decorating magazines at the local drug store’s magazine rack to find ideas on how to decorate my room that I shared with my 2 sisters. If I had saved enough money from my weekly allowance, I was thrilled to be able to buy and bring a magazine home to study every page. I yearned to find a way to carve out my little bit of space that I could make my own. I was always on the lookout for ideas. With 3 of us, our parents gave up the larger master bedroom with a bath for us. They moved down the hall to the smaller bedroom the 3 of us had previously occupied. My mom had an eye for decorating and was always changing things to make each space better for how my family lived in the house. There was nothing more exciting when I was a kid than coming home from school in the afternoon to find the living room completely rearranged. 🙂 As the saying goes… the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree . I inherited the decorating gene. 🙂 I lived in and decorated 5 college dorm rooms, 2 apartments, and 5 houses. While living in my previous home, I also decorated 2 Designer Showhouses in the Philadelphia suburbs where my rooms were chosen to be published in decorating magazines. I had a DIY Decorating book published back in 1994. I also helped many homeowners make the most of their spaces when I dabbled in residential design and home staging. Along my journey, I picked up decorating advice from designers I worked with, decorating magazine editors, and my mom, who had the best advise of all. I thought I would share the best of this decorating advice with you.
When It Comes To Decorating…
1. Stay True to What You Like
When decorating your home, don’t forget the word “you ” in the equation. If you love it, even if others don’t understand why you did it, added or removed it or displayed something that made you smile. Display it with confidence. It is “your” house after all. Just because some arbitrary source says something is a no-no when it comes to decor or they cast certain items as not “ designer worthy “. Don’t think you have to follow their dictates to the letter or at all. Decorating advice, even what I am writing in this post. It it just an opinion. Of course, you can pick up some insights about what does matter – like using the basic elements of design that will make whatever you have in your home look better – line, symmetry, proportion, use of color, etc. But above all else, your home should make you feel good and help you live better. When you decorate it with things you love, you will get more joy out of it – and your life overall.
2. Don’t Rush It
When decorating any room in your home, don’t feel like you need to get it all done right away. Instead take your time and let your decorating evolve. This way you have the time to get a feel for what the room really needs as well as the look you are trying to achieve. Take the time to research and find the best options both for your style and budget. You will end up not only saving money, but loving what you have curated to fit your vision and style.
3. Edit, Edit, Edit
Less is always more in most cases. Cleaning out items you don’t love will allow you to focus on items that do – and displaying them with pride and purpose. This will also help you maintain a sense of calm and serenity in your space.
4. Don’t Be a Slave to Trends
Following a trend in decorating will keep your decor looking updated and fresh, but it will also empty out your bank account. Trends are a marketer’s dream – to get people to buy and provide FOMO – the fear of missing out. As trendy items become popular, you may think more of it is better. Add it in small ways to stay current, but follow #2 and #3 above. If after doing these and adding a few trendy items, you still feel like something is missing, take a step back and ask yourself if you are trying to keep up with the latest trends or if you are truly creating a space that reflects your personality and style.
The Importance of Personal Style in Decorating
Your home should reflect your personality, interests, and style. It’s not about following the latest trends or what others think you should be doing. It’s about creating a space that makes you feel good, relaxed, and inspired. When you decorate with things you love, you will get more joy out of it – and your life overall.
The Role of Research in Decorating
Research is key when it comes to decorating. Take the time to learn about different styles, materials, and techniques. Read books, magazines, and online articles. Look at pictures and get inspiration from others. This will help you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
The Power of Editing
Editing is an essential part of the decorating process. It’s not just about getting rid of things you don’t like, but also about creating a sense of harmony and balance in your space. When you edit your belongings, you will be left with only the things that bring you joy and serve a purpose.
Conclusion
The best decorating advice I ever received is to stay true to what you like, don’t rush it, edit, edit, edit, and don’t be a slave to trends. By following these tips, you will create a home that reflects your personality and style, brings you joy, and serves as a sanctuary for you and your loved ones.
As a seasoned expert with over 35 years of experience, I have learned that decorating is not just about arranging furniture or choosing a color scheme. It’s about creating a space that makes you feel good, relaxed, and inspired. It’s about reflecting your personality, interests, and style. And it’s about creating a home that serves as a sanctuary for you and your loved ones.
I hope this article has been helpful in providing you with the best decorating advice ever received. Remember, decorating is a journey, not a destination. Take your time, do your research, edit, and don’t be afraid to add a few trendy items to keep things fresh and exciting. Happy decorating!
