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It’s probably not the best design advice ever. But, if you clicked over today, we promise to offer you the best we have to give.
We’ve been sharing from our corner of the interwebs for around 9 years now, {actually more than that because once upon a time, this was a mom blog {I know, right?!}} and if we’re being perfectly honest, there are a lot of elements that {we like to think} are offered here. But here’s one of our favorite questions we received recently, that go a little something like this:
Emily said, “What is your best advice you’ve learned over the years as a designer and homeowner? I’d love to hear your take on different elements and your ‘most sage’ advice. I think you and Jamin as a team always keep a rational sense about you. I’d love to hear some of your favorite tips to share on what works for you. ”
Let me start by saying, we argue just like anyone else… we just happen to work together. Last week, we had the flu in our house, and the laundry piled the the ceiling. Sometimes, I can be cranky. He likes to cook so I don’t bother him in the kitchen, and I like to pretend to be aloof when the kids wake up at night because if I do get up, I have insomnia. {I totally redeem myself by being the bed-maker of all beds in the mornings, so no judging.} But beyond our quirks and disagreements, let us be clear by saying we never even think we begin to have it together. Sometimes, owning your own business can feel a little two steps forward, three steps back.
Today, here are a few of our favorite things we’ve learned along the way, for both our own home, and client’s homes, too.
1. Bookshelves are your friend, and other design go-to’s.
Things like bookshelves are a functional and fabulous accessory in a home, and add so much in the way of design and organization. You won’t be sorry you added them {or books} to your spaces. It’s the quickest way to add warmth and interest and customized touches. I’m Belle and he’s the Beast, we have a home library for our children, and ourselves… and we won’t apologize for it. Because books.
The bookshelf thing was a metaphor for finding what you love. Store up an arsenal of things that work for you, and stick with them. From large art to beautiful lighting, add to it as you go. Know what works in a space, and then remix it for each one to make it both functional and beautiful, and something you {or in some cases, your client} will love.
2. Don’t let fear dominate.
Embrace the learning curve. And be flexible.
With what we do, in our own home and others, there have been things that are out of our control. We can’t get into too much of it here, but we promise there have been quite a few curveballs. From flooding to other woes and working with various people, that’s life and it happens.
Be ready for that. If you’re taking on a renovation, or ordering a new sofa for your family room. Sometimes things don’t go as planned, and Murphy’s law exists for a reason. The key is how you decide to handle it. And your attitude about it, from there on out. From budgets to catastrophes, being unable to help rogue people who won’t listen, and everything in between.
I always have to give myself a little perspective after I process. Zoom out, and check yourself.
That means it’s okay to step away and take a deep breath, so you can come back at it fresh again.
I think this is more of a life metaphor, so I’ll just leave it right here.
3. Color is your friend.
This probably goes with the tip above, but we couldn’t help but throw this one in on it’s own. So many people default to neutrals out of default. Neutrals are pretty too, don’t get us wrong and definitely do your thing.
We’ve talked about it here before, but don’t default to neutral based on fear. Embrace color. The world is colorful and your home can be too, without looking as though Rainbow Bright went to a college party, downed fifty jello shots and vommed ROYGBIV. Promise.
Check out our color series, here.
4. Ignore trends.
The word “trend” truly is arbitrary.
We’ve had entire spaces where a client was obsessed with avoiding trends, but we could argue that their space was in fact, totally “trendy”when we were finished.
“Trend” is in the eye of the beholder, and chevron can be found in the Taj Mahal. So take a deep breath, and relax. It all depends on how you look at it. We see too many people paralyzed in their design process in total fear.
You can’t drive yourself bonkers worrying about resale value and if something is too on-taste. The secret to real estate all comes down to location and price point, and we’ve seen it happen countless times. Not on if someone chose white cabinets or not. We went on a whole ramble about that here if you’d like to check it out.
But if you design your entire space in fear based on if it’s too trendy or not… you’ll never be happy with the space. So do what you love and trust yourself. Which brings us to…
5. Trust your intuition.
This circles back a little to know thyself, ignoring trends and embracing fear. But I think a big key factor to that, is trusting your intuition.
Whether we’re trying to uncover the reasons why you aren’t comfortable with a choice, or you’ve got a great idea for your house, go with it. Stick with your gut on something, and it’s the ultimate way you can let your home reflect you.
So here are our question for you:
What are some of your fave go-to’s as a designer or homeowner?
Also, a little survey? What do you check in for here? Anything you’d like to see more of?
We’d love to hear why you stop by. Thank you as always, for checking in.
Have an inspired day!
HomeDecorAZ says
Great list of advice. Thank you for sharing. We agree with all points and especially like not letting fear dominate and trusting your intuition.
Jenna says
This is actually amazing advice! Thank you so much as always for sharing. You guys are so refreshing and real. I love it.
Jenny B. says
I love all of your advice. I am trying to go a little more neutral lately as I’ve learned that I tend to gravitate toward lots of colorful statement pieces that I don’t necessarily love for the long haul. That’s fine for a throw pillow, but not so much for an armchair. I need to invest in some quality neutral furniture pieces that will see me through multiple cycles of redecorating. It’s hard to do, though, because colorful pieces look awesome in isolation. I have to keep reminding myself of the bigger picture.
I check in here for your funny wit and your awesome design sense. š I love it when you share real-life stories as well as tips and tricks. You’ve got great photos and awesome before-and-afters, which are always fun to see! I don’t get to sit down and read blogs as often as I did a few years ago, but I appreciate you and your content when I do get the chance. Just now, I checked in and realized I hadn’t read in a couple of weeks, and you’ve posted a bunch of new stuff! Yay! š