When people ask me what I do and I tell them I am an interior decorator, usually the first thing they say is “Oh, I bet your house is GORGEOUS!!!” Or if I visit someone’s home for the first time they say “I’m so embarrassed to have you see my house! It’s not decorated like I want it!” Or, “It’s a mess!”
I think to myself, “Oh, if only you knew.” So here is my confession:
My house is not perfect, not even close. I have a small ranch style home from the 70’s. I call my style “Post-Mom & Dad” as we have lots of hand-me- down furniture. My ‘office’ is a countertop placed on top of two file cabinets tucked in a tiny space in my 4 ft x 8 ft laundry room. And, I have two kids who are pre-teens. Sigh.
But you know what? That’s all ok. Why? Because I make it work for me. Over the years I have procured bits and pieces to tie it all together with color, my personal style and I made it my own. I don’t have the most expensive, on-trend look in my house. Style and home decor has never been that way for me. It has always been about surrounding myself with things that have meaning for me and make me smile.
An old, distressed, chippy dresser that my uncle refinished when he was in college. Hard rock maple coffee and end tables that need to be refinished from my husband’s grandmother. Antique inlayed wood plant stands from the 40’s from my parents. A Moosewood hard rock Maple dining set and hutch from one of my dearest friends. Things that I love and cherish. Things that have a story.
What are the things in your home that you cherish or that have a special story? Those are the things that you want to build your own home’s style upon. Things that bring you a feeling of comfort, joy and good memories. Don’t get hung up on it looking ‘perfectly decorated’. It isn’t about that. It’s about what makes you feel like your home is uniquely you.
So don’t get caught up in needing brand new, matching or current trend furniture to create a warm, welcoming, comfortable living space that you crave in your soul. All that is needed is an infusion of you. Surround yourself with the colors, furniture and accessories that speak to you. It doesn’t matter if it comes from a yard sale, Goodwill, Target or your mother-in-law’s attic. If you love it and if it makes you happy, then incorporate it into your decor.
I don’t have a perfectly decorated home even though I am an interior decorator. I am giving you permission to not be perfect too by ‘lifting the lid’ and showing you that I am not perfect either. Homes are a constant not a static! You will always be adding and editing your decor with the season, holidays and as you evolve yourself! I know my style has changed over the years and I am sure it will continue to, and so will yours.
Do you have favorite, special pieces that you want to incorporate into your decor, but not sure how? Are you are inspired and ready to get started? Fill out the form below for a complimentary 30 minute Discovery call! Together we can create the warm, inviting space that is uniquely you!
Discovery Call