Bob and I have our house on the market. He’s itching to take on a new project (Because obviously with four kids and our own business we are not busy enough). The process of looking at houses has been a real eye opener. Some houses are straight out of a time capsule. I’ve been in a few houses that had Rip Van Winkle décor where it looks like they decorated 20 years ago and haven't moved a thing since. Sometimes I think I'm on Candid Camera or being Punk'd as I look at these seen-better-days interiors. I’m talking about all of the ducks, pigs and other kitchen friends as well as dusty greenery and grapevine wallpaper.
This same subject came up at our recent Southlake Style Designer Round Table. It’s interesting that as the subject of staying with the trends came up, most of the designers were anti-trend. Although I agree to a point, there’s something to be said for staying fresh style-wise. There’s a big difference between staying up-to-date and following fads. I’m not saying run out and buy the latest furniture every year or paint your walls every six months. I am saying that if you still have a duck with a little blue bow around its neck, then we need to talk.
You can't flip the channels or browse through a bookstore these days without being bombarded by advice on your home. Programs, books and magazines tell how to decorate and design them, how to fix them, and how to build them. And if you still aren’t sure the big chain hardware stores run “do it yourself” seminars on a daily basis. From minimalism to disco chic, nothing is sacred on the way we alter our surroundings to the hippest trends. I know it can be overwhelming to the point where doing nothing seems like the best option.
The worst thing you can do is talk yourself out of a project before you even get started. If the interior of your home feels tired, cluttered and outdated then your décor needs a facelift and making excuses just won’t get you the results you’re after. If you’re a struggling style diva who is sabotaging yourself with procrastination, I’m here to debunk your rationale for living in the past.
“I’m waiting for inspiration to hit me”
This is nothing but an excuse because inspiration is everywhere. Whenever you feel blocked creatively, go on an inspiration mission. First, go shopping. Hold the excitement “007”, you don’t have to buy a single thing. Experience the different colors, textures, shapes, style and yes even a few trends. What’s the hot color this year? Can this style be added to your home? Could a few toss pillows or drapes in this color transform your space? Next, go to the movies. Movies can stir your imagination and inspire great ideas. I personally loved the apartment in the Hillary Swank movie, P.S. I Love You. Even though my hubby might argue it was a total chick flick (he cried), you can’t deny how cool the horizontal chocolate brown stripes and eclectic furnishings were. I was inspired. A late night TV show, a random comment or even a chick flick can all trigger ideas if you’re open to them.
“I just don't have time”
Staying stylish doesn’t have to be a time consuming endeavor. I’m not asking you to block off a month on your calendar. Devote a couple of hours a week to taking a hard look at your surroundings. Is it time to throw out the ten year old potpourri (you know it doesn’t even smell anymore)? Is your refrigerator still crammed with kid art even though your youngest is in college? Could your rooms use a fresh coat of paint? Take a little time and start a plan. It could be a three month plan or a five year plan. Either way, move forward in a specific direction. You don’t have to take it all on yourself; bring in a professional. I can’t tell you how thrilling it is to come home from work to a new and improved space. Spend an hour with a home stylist who can make your vision a reality. It’s definitely worth the time.
“I don’t have the jack right now”
You can’t afford not to be stylish. Decorating styles do change and to maintain the value of your home, staying current is a must! It doesn’t have to break the bank. In this day and age of discount stores, flea markets and garage sales, there are deals to be made. Think outside the box a little. Where some people might see junk, I see a masterpiece in the making. You can now mix antiques or older furniture with more streamlined new pieces that blend together as an eclectic look. Another strategy is to use what you have. Rearrange your furniture. Repaint grandmas old china cabinet. Add new knobs to a dated piece. We just updated a great dresser in a kid’s room. His mom said “We can’t get rid of this because it was his grandfather’s dresser as a kid – can we make it work?” Ok, this was a total design challenge because it had 1940’s cowboy wood decals all over it and we were designing a modern Beatnik room. We popped off those decals, painted it Expresso and added silver bar hardware. It was cool in the room and everyone was happy.
Americans spend roughly $100 billion annually on home furnishings. The goal of these trimmings is to provide a certain "feel" for your rooms. You don’t want that feeling to be geriatric. Dust it off and jazz it up.Changing the look of your home can be a daunting prospect. I say, go from dated to daring! Avoid fads by buying quality furniture that is timeless and change small things around it; throw pillows, wall colors, and accessories. Stop all the stall tactics and start strutting your stylish stuff. If your style doesn’t evolve you just may have a dinosaur living in your living room.