If you are designing a room in your home you shouldn’t choose furniture one piece at a time. No, this post is not only for the .001% that somehow have money lining their pockets just waiting to be used! Choosing everything upfront will save you time, money and deliver better results. Here’s why.
As a designer, my main job is to help you see your space’s full potential. This means finding that magical intersection between your wish list (the pretty) and need list (the function). Do you love bold patterns? Excellent! And your seating area needs to seat at least 6 to accommodate your family? Perfect.
But you just found the couch at Anthropologie that’s more beautiful than the moment you laid eyes on your first born. It’s everything you ever wanted in a couch, everything you need to perfectly express your style! It also only seats two and you realize it clashes with your curtains once it arrives home.
Whomp whomp.
Don’t get me wrong, finding the perfect piece is the greatest thing ever. But if you take a pause and make sure it will work with your existing pieces, and the rest of the items needed for the space you will see better results, and save you time in the process.
What if instead, when you find that gorgeous couch, you use it as a jumping off point to select the fabric and finishes of all other pieces needed in the space? Did you find a rug that is amazing but clashes horribly?
Nice to meet you, but moving on.
Front loading decisions also saves you money. Buyer’s remorse is real, friends! It’s taxing emotionally and to your pocket. Return processes and fees for large items are, well, rather large. And frustrating. For custom made pieces it is often not even an option. Flushing out mismatched choices before swiping that card is a win every time!
It’s not that you’re trying to drive yourself crazy and live in an ugly home (I don’t think). I think the issue is that many of us decorate the way we shop for clothes.
We bring home that show stopping top that has absolutely nothing at home to match it.
Those great shoes that are WAY too high to actually get through a day in.
On their own they’re perfect, but with an outfit they are, well, an eye sore.
Let’s apply the same logic as above. If I instead shop with the mindset of creating an entire look, I will instead select a blouse, pants, shoes & accessories to create the killer look I’m trying to achieve.
Clothing shopping = Furniture shopping
Get it?
Now let’s talk about money, honey. Completing a furnishing and decor plan doesn’t mean you have to buy everything at once. Making decisions up front gives you the confidence that the pieces you have selected are beautiful and appropriate for your style and functional needs. Purchasing each piece as you are able will feel like mini celebrations each time as you see your plan materialize.
When clients hire me they come with one of two problems to solve.
- Decision fatigue & insecurity: Choosing every piece for my space is overwhelming and I don’t feel confident my space will turn out well
- Time: I know what I like, but I literally do not have the time of day to do this for myself
Or both, let’s be honest, sometimes in life it is both!
If you would like to live in the home of your dreams, while saving yourself time, money and stress, contact me for an on-line or in-person consultation!
