Collective Thoughts

You have the opportunity to send a message about yourself through the clothes you wear everyday. Home decor is is a similar form of self-expression; although a more permanent one as we rarely change it out. Maybe this is why decorating your home can feel a little more daunting. It feels a bit overwhelming to choose a couch that you are likely to have around for years to come. Its is the right color, is it too big, is it comfy, will it last?  There are so many variables when selecting pieces for your home. Because of all these questions, most of us tend to lean on a decorator or designer to answer for us and take the responsibility of the choice.  If you have the budgets to pay a designer, by all means use them! Their expertise and experience is worth every penny. 

I'm guessing many aren't hemorrhaging cash and looking for the next decorating project to throw cash at. My advice is trust yourself. Do some homework and lay the groundwork. Pinterest can be your best friend. I also love Houzz and even instagram for design inspiration. Find what truly makes your heart happy --not what everyone on your block is putting in their home. Recreate these inspo pics with similar items that are the same color/size. It's a fun game I like to play called, "where can I find this". A little browsing will show you how many options there are, or maybe you discover something you like even better. Take it slow and consciously decide on what works for you and your home.  I really believe less is more. Things can get cluttered and chaotic really quick- add a few items at a time until the empty spaces feel whole. If the emptiness doesn't catch your eye... don't fill it. 

This is your chance to offer another insight into who you are, choose wisely.

When selecting home decor, your choices are deeply individual. It lends an opportunity to showcase your personality through colors, textures and shapes. Not only can be a direct reflection of who you are, but an extension of your identity. Decor has the ability to encompass moods, personalities and lifestyle. The best part is in your space you get to express yourself however you choose. You have the chance to paint a picture of vibrant colors and happiness, or maybe its a safe place to harness your darker moody side.  Some opt for unique messaging in every room creating an eclectic collection of feelings in one home. Maybe life outside feels overwhelming and you crave the lack of color when you are home? There is no right answer to design other than to remain true to yourself and keeping your own happiness in mind throughout the process.

At the end of the day, your home is a blank canvas and you get to create whatever you want.

2. Don't slack on the seating. Make sure there is plenty of comfortable seating for guests so nobody has to awkwardly sit on the floor or stand around wishing they could sit.

3. Don't push all your furniture against the walls. Create cozy moments with the middle of your room. Use a rug or table to anchor it all together.

4. Texture is key. So many people overthink color, but I think texture makes or breaks a space. Using lots of different textures creates a silent story. It creates this feeling in a room without loudly announcing the message.

5. Keep colors simple. If you want a high end luxury look, or a space that is calm and put together... stick to a palette of 3 colors. This will keep the room feeling cohesive without a lot of unnecessary noise. 

6. With that being said, don't fear bright colors. Dramatic color can convey a mood very quickly even in a small space. My advice is to remain true to your 3 color palette choices. 

7. Lastly pick your paint last. Paint looks completely different when all the furnishings are in place and cast colors and light reflection on the walls. Maybe the room turned out more simple than you hoped. Paint is the last ditch effort to tie it all together or push it over the edge for that dramatic feel you were going for.