Sarah Lyon
THE WASHINGTON POST – If television shows have you convinced that a magazine-ready home can be achieved in a snap, professional designers will quickly rid you of that idea.
“There is this fantasy of an HGTV-style reveal, walking into a home that’s 100 per cent done – either by you or a decorator – but in reality, that happens for very few,” said designer Colleen Simonds, who is based in Pittsburgh.
And, really, who wants a space that looks as if it was assembled all at once, giving furniture showroom vibes? Simonds and other designers agree that thoughtfully curating a space over time yields more satisfying results. So don’t treat the process like an item you need to cross off your checklist. Resist the urge to have your home – or even a room – done.
Instead, embrace the idea of letting the space evolve gradually, which may keep you from having regrets later.
Need help getting started? We spoke with several design professionals about how to take your time when decorating, including key pitfalls to avoid. The experts also weighed in on whether impulse buys ever do make sense – and what to consider before taking that one-of-a-kind vintage find home.
MAKE A PLAN
Developing a design strategy is an essential part of preparing your space for purchases you may make later on, said interior designer Karen Rohr with Mackenzie Collier Interiors, which operates in Phoenix and Portland, Oregon. “Planning and not rushing your decisions is key to a successful aesthetic in your interiors,” Rohr said. “If you’re doing things on your own, you need to treat the project slowly and think about all the little things before starting to purchase, as you’re your own designer.”
This means keeping layout, colour palettes and budget top of mind, she said. “As your room comes together piece by piece, it will start to feel like a reflection of who you are, which makes for the best intentionally designed room.” Struggling to define your style? Reflecting on your interests and passions may provide valuable insight. Rohr asked clients about their favourite pastimes, travel experiences, musical artists and more to gather inspiration.
Designers agree that large pieces such as sofas, beds, chairs and rugs should take precedence. “These are often the statement pieces that carry a room, since they’re large and focal,” Simonds said, so allow their fabrics and textures to determine the direction for the remainder of the room.
Ordering swatches is useful for evaluating textiles and may even inspire the creation of a mood board, said Ashley Ross of Muse Noire in Charlotte.
Making a spreadsheet with desired items and their prices – something you can reference while shopping – can also help you keep track of what you have and what you need.
EXPLORE VENDORS
When it comes to selecting furniture, designers say to fill your home with pieces from multiple retailers rather than from one or two places. “Matching sets are not desirable,” Simonds said. “Rooms need mixed-up elements to feel alive.”
For example, purchase nightstands from a different retailer from where you bought your headboard, she said, and buy side chairs from a company other than the one that sold you your sofa. Also consider adding a storied piece to each space.
“Every room should have at least one vintage piece, reworked or not,” Simonds said.
Plus, exploring various vendors – rather than filling up an online shopping cart and calling it a day – can be a financially sound approach. “Taking the time to save up for quality purchases works when you have a plan and vision for your home,” said designer Maggie Stephens on Bainbridge Island in Washington State. “Better to invest in well-made pieces that you’ll have for decades than particleboard that breaks next time you move.”
THOUGHTFULLY GATHER ACCESSORIES
Designers are also deliberate about acquiring accessories and other small items. New York designer Isabella Patrick picks up many of her smaller pieces while travelling.
“Pillows, frames, trays, candles and smaller sculptures are so versatile, and the right assortment must be carefully curated over time,” she said. “I would say that 90 per cent of our art and accessories have a story behind them.”
Simonds agreed that accumulating special objects is an ongoing process.
“Most people aren’t born with instant collections,” she said.
And it doesn’t have to be a costly process. Try displaying framed children’s artwork, books and magazines, she said.
“Instead of rushing out to buy all new things, think about what you already have that can bring personality to a space.”
CHECK YOUR IMPULSES
As much as designers believe in decorating a home over time, they understand that it can be tempting to make an impulse purchase, whether you’re browsing an estate sale or visiting a favourite secondhand store.
But limit yourself to pieces that are “somewhat practical”, Patrick said. A set of chairs may be perfect for a living room or office space. Artwork, on the other hand, is trickier, especially if it’s vibrant or large.
Before you purchase home items on a whim, Patrick said, visualise where the piece will fit in your space – the more possibilities, the better – and determine why it appeals to you. “If it’s unusual and that drew you to it, is it too odd? Or is it unique, a conversation starter and something that will bring you joy?”
