5 Things I have learned about beautiful decor

It has been a journey that started long before we found our cottage and started renovating. I fell in love with creating beauty at home back when I was decorating my playhouse in the backyard of my childhood home. The little flower fabric curtains on the windows and door. The furniture set in front of the window that overlooked our house. Dishes all stacked up on the shelf or set on the table next to the ‘treasures’ I collected & flowers that were oftentimes dandelions or other weeds. It didn’t matter. It was all about making a ‘house’ a home. Adding the cozy touches and the things that made me happy. Even if it was just for a made up kind of moment in a playhouse. Today, we are chatting about 5 random things I have learned about decor over the years.

5 Random Things I have learned about Beautiful Decor

Rules Schmules

I have said it before and I will say it again. I don’t follow the rules. I don’t believe in the ‘rules’ in decor. It is your home. Your blank page to fill with what you like. I don’t care if there are supposed to be 3 or 5 of something on the mantel in order for it to be technically ‘correct’ – what if you like 2 or 6 things?

GO FOR IT.

If I had listened to all the voices that said I couldn’t put crystal covered chandeliers in a basic old ‘cottage’ that had an unrefined kitchen because it wasn’t a good pairing, well, I would probably be wondering even now if our house could become the dream cottage I dreamed of. Same with the floor to ceiling (literally) floral explosion wallpaper I put up in the guest bedroom. I was young and didn’t have training or a strong sense of what was right in design. I had to just trust what I loved and go with what I envisioned and ignore what others said were the rules.

So if you ever struggle with wanting to try something you feel like would make you happy- I am high fiving you. Decorate your house to make You happy- there are no rules that you have to follow. Except for the one that nudges you to follow your heart and make your space your own. I definitely encourage you following that one.

Triple Love Rule

Okay I just said don’t follow the rules – so my bad haha- but the triple love ‘rule’- well this is not really a rule it is more of a triple gut check your love and is a big one folks. I have gotten a tad lazy on the triple loves recently. I can admit that. I have fallen hard and fast for random tchotchkes that I absolutely didn’t triple love. But I definitely liked them enough to bring them home so I guess that counts.

The Triple Love rule is about making sure that it isn’t a passing fancy. Not just the ‘look’ of the time. The color that is trending or the style of furniture that Everyone is looking for. All great if that is exactly what you love too. But if it is more of a ‘I like that’ or maybe a slightly stronger ‘ It looks like you love me and need me’ (no song pun intended) but you aren’t feeling it 100% right off the bat- stop and pause and think for a moment and ask yourself… Do you Love Love Love it? Does it have lasting power as in you will love it even when it is out of style? If you leave it behind – will you have a moment of panic later trying to go back and grab it when you realize you NEED it in your home? If it fits your love criteria ( mine is a triple Love but you can go with whatever you are comfortable with) then bring it home.

If it more of one of those I am not 100%. I am not sure I will love it after a couple of weeks. I love it for a change- but I don’t know if it has lasting power. Pause and think on it and evaluate your design commitment. One thing I have done when I wasn’t feeling 100% is walk away and mull it over. 9 times out of 10 if it wasn’t a triple love pretty quick or a LOAD IT UP feeling- I do forget about it.

Don’t follow the ‘Trends’

This is a big one. And you know what? It is so hard not to fall for some of those looks that are trending. They are Everywhere and you see something pop up enough- you are convinced you need to do that in your home. A word of caution: Don’t fall for it. Of course, if you love the look- yes, go for it. But if you are jumping on board because it is trending and you are keeping up with the style for whatever reason- it will most likely be a short-lived love. Trends move along and before you know it, the trends change and your room feels dated again.

I am not a trend believer- I believe in following your own trend and style because no matter how many times the color of the month changes or the ‘look’ that every house needs (and then has) changes- your home and style will always make you happier and reflect what you love and are drawn to.

Mix and Mingle for Beautiful Decor Style

When everything matches – it can look cohesive sure. But it also can look like a cookie cutter space- which is fine if that is what you love. But with cookie cutter design- there is less of you and your own unique personality and style.

Of course, you can always add your own personal decor touches to a big box room set. And if that makes your heart soar- I am all for it and encourage you to run with it. But if you are feeling like it leaves you wanting a bit more or feeling like your suite of furniture leaves you feeling a little less than true to your style – reconsider the all in one big store purchase. Gather up some of the big pieces from marketplace to mingle with the big box store bought bed frame for example. Even changing just a couple of the pieces can make the room feel more custom designed and more like You.

Gathered Treasures = Personality

This is a big one folks. Those gathered treasures- from tchotchkes to favorite books, family heirlooms /hand me down furniture to random accents and photos of your family from over the years all add so much personality and beautiful decor style. Those little ‘moments’ in decor are what make the room feel welcoming and enchanting.

So don’t be afraid to create that family photo or display your collected paintings on a wall. Bring in your grandmother’s favorite chair that you adore too. Add your favorite color to the walls and if you love pattern on pattern- go for it. Those trinkets from your travels or your mother’s heirloom dishes? Bring them out to display and enjoy them in your everyday decor. The best designed rooms tell a story and share a bit of who you are.

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder- it is Your Cup Of Tea

Well it is a well known statement for sure- but it really is SO TRUE even when it comes to decor. That knick knack you found on the shelf at the thrift store. The layers of pretty patterns on the bed. The simple chair that you absolutely adore. The list could go on and on- but the motto stays the same. If you find something beautiful – you will love it in your home every time you notice it. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea- and good news- it doesn’t have to be. It just has to be Your cup of tea. So go with what brings you joy when you see it- you can’t go wrong.

I have been doing quite a bit of reflecting on style and my decor personality recently. I will be sharing a few more thoughts and some of what has surprised me as I have been on this discovery journey soon. Shop some of my favorite ideas for decor in my Amazon shop and stay tuned for more Behind the Book peeks of my new book IN BLOOM and giveaways coming your way!

Happy decorating friends.