Growing up I was a HUGE slob.
HUGE.
Just ask my poor mother.
My room was a disaster.
It always looked like a tornado ripped right through the tiny space and FEMA never showed up. My dog wouldn’t even go in there.
The drawers and closet were usually pretty empty, as everything I owned was strewn across the bed or in piles on the floor.
It was hard to decide what to wear to school every day.
The pressure to find the right outfit was intense. I needed all of my clothes in front of me, or underneath me, so I could make an informed decision.
By week’s end my mom was all - get cleaning or get grounded - and when I asked for help the answer was usually, “Do it yourself.”
At first I resented those words, but as I got older I started to realize that I actually liked doing things myself, especially when it came to dealing with my personal space and surroundings.
Once I cleaned the debris off the floor, my mother let me redecorate my room. I chose the paint, carpet and bedding. I made a floor plan and mapped out furniture in the tiny space. I even filled holes, spackled, painted and hung a wallpaper border myself.
When the room was complete it was a true reflection of me, functioned perfectly for my high school/ college lifestyle and was never messy again!
The End.
Ok, that last part is a bit of a stretch, but it was mostly never messy again, as I took real pride in having created that pretty little space and loved everything in it.
I learned from that early decorating/ design endeavor that creating a space you love, by yourself, is not only possible, but actually it is most desirable. The use of a decorator or design specialist is not always necessary and certainly not always better.
Who knows you, better than you?
Most people don’t have a fashion consultant pick out their outfit every morning or a chef order their food for them at a restaurant. We know what we are comfortable wearing and what we like to eat.
So why is it then that so many of us don’t trust ourselves and our own instincts when it comes to décor?
I get it, decorating can be overwhelming, there are so many factors involved.
The room needs to be perfect or look like the photo, after all, people are going to see it....and judge it. Renovations usually involve big decisions and big budgets, fear takes over and suddenly everyone needs an expert.
Well, I say you are your own expert.
And I want to empower you to trust your instincts and give it a whirl.
It always looked like a tornado ripped right through the tiny space and FEMA never showed up. My dog wouldn’t even go in there.
The drawers and closet were usually pretty empty, as everything I owned was strewn across the bed or in piles on the floor.
It was hard to decide what to wear to school every day.
The pressure to find the right outfit was intense. I needed all of my clothes in front of me, or underneath me, so I could make an informed decision.
By week’s end my mom was all - get cleaning or get grounded - and when I asked for help the answer was usually, “Do it yourself.”
At first I resented those words, but as I got older I started to realize that I actually liked doing things myself, especially when it came to dealing with my personal space and surroundings.
Once I cleaned the debris off the floor, my mother let me redecorate my room. I chose the paint, carpet and bedding. I made a floor plan and mapped out furniture in the tiny space. I even filled holes, spackled, painted and hung a wallpaper border myself.
When the room was complete it was a true reflection of me, functioned perfectly for my high school/ college lifestyle and was never messy again!
The End.
Ok, that last part is a bit of a stretch, but it was mostly never messy again, as I took real pride in having created that pretty little space and loved everything in it.
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| Beach Cottage Home From A Fellow DIYer |
Who knows you, better than you?
Most people don’t have a fashion consultant pick out their outfit every morning or a chef order their food for them at a restaurant. We know what we are comfortable wearing and what we like to eat.
So why is it then that so many of us don’t trust ourselves and our own instincts when it comes to décor?
I get it, decorating can be overwhelming, there are so many factors involved.
The room needs to be perfect or look like the photo, after all, people are going to see it....and judge it. Renovations usually involve big decisions and big budgets, fear takes over and suddenly everyone needs an expert.
Well, I say you are your own expert.
And I want to empower you to trust your instincts and give it a whirl.
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| My DIY Birdhouse Lamp |
I read somewhere once that you should decorate with things you love to look at and in turn you'll love your space.
I believe that's very true and should be the guiding force behind every design decision made in your home. It's become my own decorating mantra.
Everything from the window size and placement in our kitchen addition to the color of the dishes displayed in our glass cabinets are all me.
Who else would know what color catches my eye, soothes or excites me or that wool rugs and down make me itch or that I really do like my laminate countertops…really.
I do.
I love to watch these shows where designers go in and redo a room and the surprised homeowners love it.
Good for them.
That would not be me.
I'm very particular about every item I display. I need to love them all.
The color needs to be just right and moreover, I feel that my accessories should have some personal meaning. I don’t want some random piece of driftwood on my coffee table if I hate the beach or am not partial to splinters.
I believe that's very true and should be the guiding force behind every design decision made in your home. It's become my own decorating mantra.
Everything from the window size and placement in our kitchen addition to the color of the dishes displayed in our glass cabinets are all me.
Who else would know what color catches my eye, soothes or excites me or that wool rugs and down make me itch or that I really do like my laminate countertops…really.
I do.
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| My Kitchen...Laminate And All |
Good for them.
That would not be me.
I'm very particular about every item I display. I need to love them all.
The color needs to be just right and moreover, I feel that my accessories should have some personal meaning. I don’t want some random piece of driftwood on my coffee table if I hate the beach or am not partial to splinters.
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| Another DIY Bedroom From A Talented Friend |
You don’t live here. I do.
I'm not going to lie, it is enormously gratifying when people say they love my home, but truly, I'm the only one that has to like it, and boy, is that a huge relief. Well, I mean my husband should like it too, but if not no big, that’s what the garage is for…but I digress.
So where do you start?
Well, design is a visual medium.
- You have to like what you see.
- Start with pictures of rooms or items you're drawn to, colors in nature or an inspirational piece to build your room around.
- It’s also trial and error. Sometimes, it’s hard to know if the lamp that looks so great in the store is going to look great in your den.
- Times like that I bring things home and set them out. Sometimes, I know if it is a hit or a miss immediately, other times, it takes the entire 30 (or 90 - gotta love Target) day return period for me to figure it out, but either way it is my decision.
And keep in mind that very few decisions in life are permanent. Decorating is no different.
Yes, all the time, but paint is cheap if I really hate it and most items can be returned or exchanged.
Does it mean some of my neighbors are going to hate it?
Of course.
Design is very subjective.
Some of the most attractive pieces in my home were pulled out of someone else’s trash.
Is my house going to be worthy of publication in a magazine, no, maybe not, but it doesn’t mean it’s any less beautiful than some of those homes.
It will certainly be more original.
The true joy of decorating comes from that moment when you look around and recognize the beauty in your own lovely home, personal and unique beauty you created yourself.
Are you a decorating do-it-yourselfer?
Does it mean I make mistakes?
Yes, all the time, but paint is cheap if I really hate it and most items can be returned or exchanged.
Does it mean some of my neighbors are going to hate it?
Of course.
Design is very subjective.
Some of the most attractive pieces in my home were pulled out of someone else’s trash.
Is my house going to be worthy of publication in a magazine, no, maybe not, but it doesn’t mean it’s any less beautiful than some of those homes.
It will certainly be more original.
The true joy of decorating comes from that moment when you look around and recognize the beauty in your own lovely home, personal and unique beauty you created yourself.
So I say be fearless, decorate on your own and dare to really love the space you call home!
Are you a decorating do-it-yourselfer?
*Quick Do-It-Yourself Tips:
- Start with some photo inspiration. There are so many great sources today - Pinterest, library books, magazines, your friends' homes.
- Don't let yourself be labeled by salespeople with one style, keep yourself open, mixing can be very interesting.
- Don't completely discount the experts. Most box and specialty stores have consultants on staff, they can be a fabulous resource, but in the end, trust your own gut, you are going to live in the house, not them!
Feeling a bit of deja vu today? If you're a long time reader, it's quite possible.
You see, this post was originally published in March of 2013, here on my blog.
It was the fourth post I ever wrote. I believe that five people read it and I am related to all of them.
I recently reread it myself and thought it was worthy of a repost. It truly sums up the mission statement behind my blog and my decorating mantra in real life.
I hope you enjoyed it and to my husband, sister, cousin and kids, I promise I'll have something fresh very soon.
Happy Decorating, Friends!
😉
How funny that you should write--oops--repost this today. This morning in my inbox was the hometalk email and the lead story, in fact, the story that was listed as part of the title, was about not letting your kids paint their room their favorite color and I did not comment but i read the article and the comments and disagreed with the author and many of the comments. When my kids were growing up they always chose the colors for their rooms. My thoughts were that it is only paint. So, over the years we had many interesting colors in their bedrooms. It was fun watching their style evolve and mature. I agree about surrounding yourself with things that you love. My favorite homes are the ones that "look" like the people that live there, where you can truly see their style in their surroundings. Nice article. Thanks for reposting.
ReplyDeleteI saw that same post today, Lorri and thought exactly what you did! I did not comment either, but wanted to write that kids should be able to decorate and express themselves. Their rooms are the only real place they have control...and like you, I enjoyed watching their styles evolve. I get the resale thing, but really, paint color has never stopped me from buying a house. Thanks of the comment, Lorri. I always love reading your thoughts.
DeleteMy 3 boys are slobs too, but if I let them redecorate their rooms maybe they will keep them clean? Unfortunately I do not think so! Happy winter - we were definitely spoiled this year with warmer weather, until now!
ReplyDeleteIt's worth a try, Jen! Haha...stay warm. I was hoping this warm spell would last straight through til June. No dice. Rats! ;)
DeleteHi Kim, I totally agree with this and it all seemed familiar too. ;) So glad you reposted.
ReplyDeleteI have always decorated what reflects our life and also when I helped others. Even growing up my mother let me do my own decorating in my room. Years later, I disagreed with teachers in design about some styles and correctness. If it looks good and feels balanced, it will work. If not, you feel it not working over time. Thanks for sharing once again. Have a great rest of the week.
I agree with you Celestina Marie, if it feels right it will work! When I was in college studying fashion design, I was hit with a lot of the same comments. “It’s just not done that way, etc.” Well, isn’t that how art evolves? My palette is now my home and I go with what pleases my eye!! Hope you have a super week, too! :)
DeleteKim, this was an amazing post and you are so right!! Decorating is such a personal thing and I can't imagine letting someone loose in my home to pick out things that I would have to live with every day!
ReplyDeleteI like things my way that's for sure! Can you imagine someone else decorating your kitchen? It's lovely and works perfectly for you and your fabulous cooking. How could anyone else really know what you need?
DeleteYou mean I didn't read it?? It sounds so familiar! Maybe you said it again. That wouldn't be a problem because it's worth repeating. It reminds me that I love my fall decor and could look at it all year. So why do I pack it away in boxes most of the year?? Maybe I'll do the rooms in different again, like I did years ago. The public rooms can be fall, because that's where the decor fits. Hehe! Or spring in the kitchen, summer dining room and fall living room! Hey, its MY house! Kim said so!! Your opinion carries weight at my house!
ReplyDeletePerhaps you did, Nancy, I am sure that I linked to this post once or twice over the years! I hear you loud and clear with the fall decor. I used to change a lot of items out seasonally, but then I decided I liked them year round. Now they stay! I say if leaves and pumpkins make you happy in July, who cares! Display what you like when you like!! Thanks for weighing in!!
DeleteI know this struck a cord with me, especially after implementing that gallery wall! You are spot on, who knows what makes us happy, dreamy, uncomfortable or just plain I don't like it, ourselves.
ReplyDeleteThese were great tips too- take a photo and leave the price tag on, before totally committing!
Xo
Jemma
Jemma, your DIYs are lovely and your new place certainly is dreamy! I wish you many happy years enjoying what you have created! :)
DeleteKim when I was a kid we lived in a 3 floor duplex and my bedroom was on the top floor. My mother kept telling me to clean my room and I didn't. She threw all my clothes out the window and I had to walk up 2 flights of stairs to bring them in. I never left a mess again. I love how our home looks. I do discuss big things with my hubby but he truthfully doesn't care as long as I love it, he will too.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh! I have to say that I am sorry you went through that, but man, I would love to do that to my own kids sometime and I know that my mom probably wanted to do that to me!! I bet your home is fabulous and very personal. Thank you so much for sharing your story. You made me smile. :)
DeleteKim, I'm glad you reposted this because I didn't see your original. Funny, I posted something with a very similar message the same year--also my first year of blogging. I couldn't agree more--as much as I love watching the home makeover shows, having someone else choose my decor isn't for me either!
ReplyDeleteBefore I started blogging, I didn’t know many DIYers. Most of my friends were like, “you pulled it out of the trash and did what? And why?” I just really enjoyed it. I suppose this post (and my blog in general) is for those who don’t feel confident attempting it. It’s great to be surrounded by so many with like mind now though, that’s for sure! :)
DeleteI was always so happy that my mother let my sisters and I decorate our rooms..she was brave but she never let us change the wall color---we would have surely painted it in colors that couldn't be covered without 10 coats of paint. Smart woman !!!
DeleteJane
Haha…with all those girls, I can only imagine! Smart lady! :)
Deletethe whole time I was reading I was sayin' yea yea me too me too..
ReplyDeleteI'd never let anyone else in here to decorate. This is my home,, my joy,, my creation- it should be created by no one else but ME.
I like your style and your home, it suits you and makes a lovely visual for all who visit here..
This newest home I have came with granite and tumbled tile already in the kitchen, otherwise it wouldnt be here.. I;ll give it another year and if it looks like we're gonna stay, that tile is GONE.. the granite is dark so I'll leave it be I guess. Once I painted my cabs white it doesnt bother me as much..
Keep making YOU happy, thats whats most important:)
Thank you, Sonny. I appreciate the kind words. Paint is a miracle worker isn't it? It can really change everything with a simple coat...even how you feel about a large element like counters. I love the look of white cabinets. I bet they make you super happy!! :)
DeleteOnce upon a time I had very strict rules on decoration and a minimalistic approach. I grew up to understand that a room must abide not to rigid rules but to one's personality and needs. I wish you had photos of your college-time room - I imagine something really cool and out of the norms.
ReplyDeleteI plan on letting my little girl pick everything for her room (when she grows a little older and demands a change).
I used to listen to the rules, too, when I was just starting out and then I decided that I was just going to use what I liked. Even if it "broke" the rules. I wish I had photos of that room, too...so long ago! It'll be fun to decorate with your daughter, I really enjoyed that process!
DeleteWhen I was younger I had a sense of style, but not until getting older did I develop confidence in my style since its different than most. Using usual items and elements. I'm with you I would never let someone else design it for me, I did once and still live with that regret. I know the show Fixer Upper is popular, and I watched it last night, but there is NO way someone would completely take over and design for me, because as you say they don't know me. You have some great tips....
ReplyDeleteNo way, Cathy, agreed! I am way too opinionated to let someone else pick out my stuff! My mom used a decorator when I was growing up. She was a lovely woman. She really listened and did more than decorate FOR my mom. She decorated WITH my mom, helping her uncover her own style. Now that I could enjoy! :)
DeleteGlad you reposted this, Kim. It's great advice and bears repeating. I've always been a DIY decorator. At an early age I pored over Ladies Home Journal and any other decorating magazine my mother brought home. Pretty soon I was restyling her knick knack shelf and giving her advice on centerpieces. LOL By the time I was in high school she asked me to pick out the wallpaper and paint colors for the rooms she planned to redecorate. Even the light fixture decisions she left to me. I'm so glad she relinquished those "rights" to me. Not that she didn't have good taste or couldn't gave put it together herself. But it gave me confidence and I learned to trust my instincts. I respect interior designers and decorators and would never judge anyone who chooses to use one. I just have too much fun doing it myself. Hugs, Nancy
ReplyDeleteYou are a natural born DIYer for sure, Nancy with a custom built and decorated cottage to prove it! How wonderful that your mom let you express yourself and instilled such confidence in you. I had a hard time handing over the reigns to my kids in their rooms, but I am so glad I relinquished control. They did a great job and it is their space to love…not mine. I agree with you about decorators and designers, too, they offer a valuable service for those that desire it. They can also offer a great deal of inspiration and ideas for the do it yourselfers among us. I just enjoy the process too much myself…like you!!
DeleteI agree! If you love it! That's what matters! Surround yourself with what you love! It feeds your soul!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt certainly does, Cindy! Thanks for the comment today!
DeleteHi Kim,
ReplyDeleteThis post is great. I am a firm believer that if you surround yourself with what you love in your decor you will be happy. I would love for a show to go back to the design show homes and see how many of them still look like what the designer did for them. I think we would all find a lot of changes to these homes.
Kris
Ha! I would love to see that episode, Kris!! I bet you are right!!
DeleteWonderfully written post to encourage all of us to be who we are, and decorate in the way that makes us happy! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! Happy is the key word! :)
DeleteWonderful post Kim . . .
ReplyDeletePositive and encouraging . . .
I have a couple DIY projects I am going to do and you have spurred me on!
You go, Lynne!! :)
DeleteI agree with you on every point! Yes, our homes are just that...OUR homes, not someone else's. I know a lot of people who are scared to make even minor changes to their homes because it might affect resale value (even though they have no intention of moving) I say do what you like and enjoy it. :) In fact, I've never really thought about resale value when decorating. Lol! Oh, and I love my laminate counters too!
ReplyDeleteI have never thought about resale either, Lisa. We have only moved twice and both times, I bought homes with decor that I was not comfortable with. Everything needed to be redone. It didn’t matter. I had vision and knew that a few changes would fix it all…and it did! :) Even the laminate!!
DeleteSo you're the one that leaves tags on!! I remember reading that about someone but couldn't remember who. I do the same thing. I have always done my own thing when it comes to decorating and because I like all different styles, they are all in my house at one time. These days I am dreaming up the décor style for my next house. My husband keeps talking about downsizing and I am limited to what I can do here. Great inspirational post and great tips!!
ReplyDeleteIt’s me, AnnMarie!! I am a total tag girl!! I am sure wherever you land will be lovely. You have fabulous taste. I actually bought the cutest dishtowels at Ikea this weekend and thought about your window treatments. Now I just need the right window! ;)
DeleteThank you and I totally agree.
ReplyDeleteMany of my friends will say how cozy they feel in my home. Many say how they love how I decorate. I also decorate with things I love! Not so much about what is IN or Cool, but what I love. :-)
Well done! Thank you for sharing...I love how you write. :-)
Thank you, Carla! Your words have made my night. I just know that your house is cozy and very personal…a true home! :)
DeleteI read this the first time and I love it again! You shared some true wisdom when it comes to making and decorating a home. So many people lack any confidence you thoughts would help.
ReplyDeleteI've always studied pictures to see what I like and sometimes as inspiration for what to do here in our house. It sure helps me. :)
I am glad it stands the test of time, Stacey! I love pictures, too. I find a lot of inspiration that way...Pinterest was a game changer for me!
DeleteYou made me smile---my mother was always on me and my sisters to keep our rooms pristine. And my own daughters---they preferred to use the floors rather than dressers and closets! loI!
ReplyDeleteI agree that we need to fill our homes with what we love. The only time I feel we need a nudge is if we aren't the 'creative type', and actually, there are many ladies out there like that. Just as I take my daughters out to the mall to help me find a dress or clothes for a vacay, I get help in decorating my home from them. Maybe I'm partial, Emily has a Fine Arts degree and has been a professional interior designer for five years. She knows exactly what I like and gets me moving. She has tons of clients who simply can't decide what color to paint a room or what sort of furniture they need. She spends tons of time getting to know the dynamics of the family and their taste. It's quite interesting.
I'm not saying that we bloggers aren't capable of decorating our homes...we are confident and creative and we learn from each other. Yet still, there are some (like me!!) who become frozen with a blank slate of a room. With my daughter, we work together and come up with great ideas.
I love everything you've done with your new home...Yay~! Keep it up! :)
Jane xxx
Jane, I do agree that designers are a great resource and you are lucky to have one in the family! She sounds like she spends time working with her clients to help them be a part of the process and fill their home with the decor they love! :)
DeleteYou hit the nail on the head! Love where you live and live with what you love! No designer for me. I may brake every rule, but if it makes me happy, and doesn't land me in jail, that's ok! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Jann
I have seen your pretties, Jann, you have the magic touch. I don't think jail is in your future! At least not for any decorating crimes! ;)
DeleteYou are so right! As much as I love watching the home makeover shows, I could never turn my home over to a designer and come home to see what they had done. I even get irritated by designers that push the homeowners into a back splash they are not comfortable with etc. I love fluffing our nest myself. Eilis@MyHeartLivesHere
ReplyDeleteI’m right there with you, Eilis. I have actually stopped watching a lot of those shows. The cringe factor was too much for me! ;) Thanks for the comment!
DeleteI had to laugh at the beginning of the post because I remember keeping my room clean and neat through most of middle school, then I became a room-slob and there had been a hurricane somewhere......my mom clipped the newspaper story about it and taped it to my bedroom door :)
ReplyDeleteHaha, Deb...I love it!!
DeleteI LOVE your dining area and kitchen! I am still looking for inspiration to paint my cabinets. Thanks so much for sharing this post again :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much and I hope you find that inspiration! :)
DeleteIt's what you like, colours you like, accessories, pictures etc that you like.
ReplyDeleteIt is your home and isn't it great!
All the best Jan
Here, here, Jan!!
Deletei love how you started this post! i laughed right out loud.
ReplyDeletebeing raised by a military man... i missed the "slob" stage. never was allowed.
which actually turned out to be a good thing probably. i grew up loving order and minimalism. (we moved. A LOT. it tends toward minimalism just to keep one's sanity!)
and i TOTALLY agree with everything you've said. ... or REsaid! LOL!
i graduated from the new York school of interior design.
and other than one professor... from Europe... i have learned more through the years from devouring top notch publications. the really good ones. teaching balance and how to layer colors. and the mantra... to please one's self. THAT'S the key!
kudos dear bean! a great post in EVERY WAY!!! xo
It's funny to look back at what a mess maker I was as a teen...my design OCD had not kicked in yet. Today, I cannot stand a wrinkle on the bed or couch cushion. My how times (and I!!) have changed! Glad you got a chuckle, Tammy!! :)
DeleteDitto! I agree with everything you said. I always say that I don't have a style, I just surround myself with things I really love. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd I believe that is the best style of all! :)
DeleteI'm so glad that you did repost this! I cringe when I see so many shows on HGTV where the designer creates rooms that look so impersonal and often you can tell by the owner's face and body language that the minute the designer leaves there will be changes made and tears shed. Not that I wouldn't love to have advice and help from a designer who took into consideration what I wanted. But rooms should tell stories about the owner and yours surely tell what you love and about the lifestyle you choose.
ReplyDeleteA terrific article, Kim, I really enjoyed this!
Thank you, Dewena and I agree with you 100%...help should be help...not a paid project without the homeowner's input. Home is about you and your personal style. No one can decide what that is for you...
DeleteWell-said KIM! Amen on that mantra. I think the reason that people find decorating so daunting is the fact that their really not into the "pleasing themselves" part, their more worried about what other will think about their space! Because absolutely, when you love what your putting into your home, every piece of it, how can you not love the whole space overall? I get a lot of questions from my friends and on how I do my decorating, and when I give them my answer, which is basically what you wrote here, they wouldn't believe it! I was dreaming the other day of winning the powerball, and one of my dreams was building my dream house, and ME decorating it from top down, no fancy decorator for the billionaire me, since I know, that no magazine-feature would make me as happy, as a home I proudly decorated on my own! ;-) And hence, our blogging, the share our ups and downs in decorating right?!
ReplyDeleteExactly how I feel, Vel. I just want to enjoy the process and then enjoy looking at the views I have created. Sharing here on the blog with like minded friends is a bonus. Powerball decorating would be a dream! ;) Maybe someday!!
DeleteGREAT post!!! I have always been interested in doing most things myself...even when I was a younglet and painted my room waaaaaaayyyyyy too lavender!!!UGH....
ReplyDeleteMom and Dad let me do my thing, but I always had to live with it for 2 years before redoing.....can you imagine how bad lavender goes in two years :^(
I have been on a red kick for about 40 years now.....it comes and goes in the public eye, but it always smiles at me when I walk into the house, so it stays! That is why I feel so at home when I visit you......
Hugs to you and blessings,
J
I had a lavender room when I was younger, too!! It was a very pale lavender though. I was afraid of too much color back then. Not so much anymore, huh? Red is not a timid shade!!
DeleteI agree with surrounding ourselves with what we like and what makes us happy. I believe where we sometimes get sidetracked is watching all of the decorating shows and seeing all of the other things bloggers do to their homes and how they decorate and that's where doubting our ability starts. I don't believe a designer or decorator could come in and decorate my home for me. I remember there was a designing show called "Trading Spaces". One family made the designer, Doug Wilson, totally redo their home because they hated it so much and he had completely missed the mark of what they wanted for their home. All I can remember thinking is that I was so glad he never touched my house! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteI agree!! I would never be able to hand over the keys and say, "Have at it." I am too much of a control freak when it comes to my surroundings!
DeleteIt's a very good article, Kim. I've always decorated myself; sometimes it may take time to make a decision, but I I always have a vision; so once my mind is made up, I go for it. I've known a few people that just can't make up their mind, and required help, but they seemed to like too many looks, and could not commit ;)
ReplyDeleteYes, sometimes it’s hard to sort through all the pretty and pick just one style! So many fun looks to choose from...
DeleteHi Kim,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading this post, and I know you mentioned it was an older one...but still so relevant to now!
It is so important to surround yourself with things you love in your home...we spend so much time there every day!
I hope you are having a wonderful weekend!
Kimberley
That's my mantra, Kimberley, if you love it, that's all that matters!
DeleteWell, you definitely have a few more comments than just 5, this time around! This is so well written, Kim, and really hits the nail-on-the-head. I go about decorating in a very similar way. I like to rotate some of the things I enjoy decorating with....kind of like I did with our children's toys when they were little. I have a fairly small space in our garage where I keep my everyday-any season decor items. Since it is small, I have to keep it fine-tuned to things I really like. I'm not sure I would be able to let an "expert" have complete control over remodeling any part of my house; but if I won a big "Makeover Sweepstake," I'd be willing to give it a go!
ReplyDeleteWarm hugs,
Carol
Your place always looks fabulous, Carol. Your warm, personal style has made your house a home for sure! :)
DeleteI have a good friend who is a professional decorator and she does a beautiful job on all of the homes she does. But, I don't think I could have anyone come in a choose furniture, art, tchotchkes, etc. for me.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I surround myself with things I love and if I don't love them, they are outta here!
I hope more than 5 people and no family members read this post.
Thanks for Sharing Your Cup!
My post topped five readers this time, Carol! Second time's a charm. ;)
DeleteI'm with you Kim. It is so much fun decorating your own space, I wouldn't want a professional to come in with a set of rules that may or may not work for me. And, I must say, your home is LOVELY!
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Thank you, Amalia…and I’m not one for somebody else’s rules, either! :)
DeleteWhat wonderful advice! (Your kitchen is beautiful, and I love my laminate too.)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Laurel! Laminate lovers unite! ; )
DeleteThis is an oh so wonderful post and touched on so many relevant points for me. I am in the process of redecorating my home, slowly, room by room, and so far I love all of the changes I have been making - friends and some family however, not so much. It seems everyone feels the need to express their opinion on how I decorate MY HOME!!! I will now answer them with a line from your post - You don't live here, I do! Thank you so much for reposting this.
ReplyDeleteI have heard that from family, too. Not everyone loves red the way I do! ;) I bet your decor is lovely, simply due to the fact that you chose it and adore it! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment. It really made my day! :)
DeleteKim this post is timeless. It is so true that you want your personal space surrounded by things you love. I watch some of these decorating shows and they fill up the houses with impersonal objects that mean nothing to the occupants. What is the point in that? It's much better to take your time and decorate your home with things you love. I have been slowly filling my home with objects that I've re purposed or created myself. I can honestly say it's a unique home and not for everyone... and that's ok!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary. I agree with you that taking time is key. A true home evolves and grows.
DeleteI'm laughing, not at you but because you are so right. It tickled my funny bones.
ReplyDeleteSo glad, Christine! I try to infuse a little fun in my posts. Glad you found it! :)
DeleteHi Kim, I love your decorating style with surrounding yourself with the things you love. It can be overwhelming to decorate a house but fun at the same time. Thanks for sharing your tips for home decor.
ReplyDeleteI hope you are staying warm. Enjoy the week.
Julie
Thanks Julie. I have fun decorating and I enjoy encouraging others to give it a try! :)
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