A decade ago, I was a senior in college and a newlywed. And while I'm sure I thought I knew it all, there was a whole lot I didn't know. I didn't know that my husband was as clueless on how to love me as I was about loving him (we've learned a lot in this area). I didn't know that failure is unavoidable and part of what brings character and depth to life (I was a text book overachiever, and terrified of failure). I also had NO IDEA what my personal decorating style was.
Our first attempt at buying furniture, resulting in a set of overstuffed, masculine furniture, that my husband loved and I hoped would grow on me. IT NEVER DID! After a year, we sold it to friends and started over in our brand new home. Our second furniture shopping expedition resulted in one of our most memorable fights. I kept picking red or plaid couches (to which my husband would say “NO WAY”) and he kept picking sports-bar appropriate couches. I finally burst into tears in the middle of a store and cried out “Our new house is gonna look like a bachelor pad“.
Fast forward a decade, and a lot has changed. My husband has learned to appreciate and trust my picks for our home, and more importantly I now know what I LOVE. And I only purchase items that I love. If I don't love it, I don't bring it into my home. If it doesn't go with my design style, then it's a waste of time, money and energy. I've learned if I love it now, then I'll love it in 5 years. That's what style is all about. It's not about the latest trends, it's all about what makes you feel “at home”!!! If you want to simplify your decorating and spend less, then only buy what you love (or what you can transform into something you love).
Here are 2 pictures of the Buffalo Check Curtains I purchased from Country Curtains for my last home. In my new home, I do not have a place for them in my family room, so they are now used in my breakfast area. I adore these curtains, so I know, no matter where I live, I will have a spot for them.
If you're still trying to find your style, this quiz is the best I've ever seen. My mother, sister and friends have taken it and it's been spot on for all of us. (Don't worry, it won't say you have NO STYLE). It's all pictures and easy to take…thanks hgtv.com!
So what's your style? What have you purchase over the years that WAS NOT your style? What can you transform this weekend to better “fit” your style?
