Interior Design Strategies for Your Style
How to Affordably Decorate Your Home by Using What You Have
Jul 15, 2009
Exploring interior design possibilities for the home is empowering, even exciting. Collecting ideas by thumbing through magazines or visiting home decor shops can spark the imagination. Deciding just how to translate great ideas into practical solutions is another story. What if self-reflection provided some of the answers? Noting what you have, what you need and what you truly hold dear can clarify how to welcome the new without denying personal style.
What to Display
At the end of Gary Hustwit’s industrial design documentary Objectified, columnist Rob Walker of the New York Times reflects on the products we purchase and hold dear. He notes the value in enjoying the things we already own, like the items we accrue then stash away in the closet.
He asks us to consider what we would grab if a hurricane were headed for our homes and only 20 minutes remained to secure prized objects. This “what if” inventory is a revealing exercise that prompts a consideration of everything in the house—practical pieces, time-saving gadgets, sentimental objects.
Walker suggests that the most valuable items are the ones that mirror our personal stories and reflect who we are. As he speaks, the camera focuses on a collection of Barbie dolls dressed in colorful clothing. If we jump from product design to interior design, the message continues to resonate. How could we not consider our true selves when displaying items in our homes?
Yet style over substance traps are found everywhere we look: the china we arrange on shelves but are afraid to use lest we scratch the plates, the furniture we purchase as a set to eliminate the hassle of mixing and matching separates , the stock photograph-filled frames we leave on our dressers because we don’t have time to dig through our family pictures in search of the perfect photo to display.
Ironically, “design perfection” is often found in the imperfections—the mismatched chairs we group to construct a practical living room seating arrangement, the clusters of the past we throw together for an impromptu coffee table grouping, the colorful spines of books that create modern patterns on our shelves when we showcase our interests in print form.
It is possible to revive your decor while honoring personal history and style. The best part—it doesn’t have to cost a fortune! Here are three ways to enhance the home without losing the self:
Use What You Have
Instead of being quick to scrap the old and bring in the new, dig into the past. Really. Look through boxes of childhood treasures or items that have been packaged and stacked, moved to the backs of shelves or stored under the bed.
Sometimes the most intriguing coffee table vignettes and shelf arrangements are the ones with a history. A rock collection, a grouping of small tin boxes given to you by a grandparent, or a spread of clear vases previously stored in that little cabinet above the sink can suddenly take center stage, sparking conversation precisely because they can’t easily be duplicated.
Decide What You Need
When starting from scratch, a popular design technique is to let one item—even a small one—inspire the decor for an entire room. However, if most of the room is already full and you don’t plan on parting with established pieces, you may still want a little room revival.
Try the reverse: Instead of using one object to prompt the purchase of a series of new items, take inventory of what you already have and decide which one or two purchases you need to unite the treasures in your present stash. While eliminating clutter is very helpful, resist the temptation to pack up beloved items because they don’t fit with “the look.” You get to pick the look, and your look might involve mixing decorative styles.
A new rug, upholstered chair or piece of wall art can serve as a great unifier, helping you tie together seemingly unrelated objects. Choose soothing tones to help calm livelier pieces, or play up the bright little touches in the room by choosing a new multicolored item, such as a striped pillow, to merge the palette with one strong visual.
Trust Yourself as You Revive Your Decor
Most importantly, make sure you stay at the helm of your redesign. Even if hiring an expert to join you on this adventure, let your interests, preferences and creativity be known. Here are some questions to ask yourself when considering making a change in your sacred space:
- What are your favorite colors?
- Are there shapes and textures that have always grabbed your attention?
- As a child, were there certain animals or objects you enjoyed drawing?
- What are your favorite plants and flowers?
- Are you drawn to sleek lines, detailed embellishments, or a combination of the two?
- Which cherished items would you like to showcase in your space?
- Which new items (for example, a side table, a desk, a lamp) do you truly need to welcome into the space?
A Personal Style for You
A home that works for you is a home that reflects who you are. Making room for what you value throughout a decorating project can invite whimsy and a sense of fearlessness. You may make mistakes, but at least they will be yours. Chances are they won’t be mistakes at all, but visual representations of your interests and personality—facets that can easily be rearranged again when inspiration strikes.
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