A few days ago, that famous local groundhog declared six more weeks of winter. Big whoop, right? Doesn't it feel like we've been in eternal winter for the past 12 months anyway? I mean, as far as the amount of time we've spent in our homes – working from home, homeschooling, complying with mandates, etc. By now there's a good chance that you may be tired of looking at the same walls every day. I am. I really, really am.
But to be fair, it doesn't take a lockdown to make me restless. Boredom hunts me like a hungry wolf. I dream of change just about every day. And because I love design, change often comes in the form of rearranged furniture, new paint colors, or some grand scheme to create more space or better function in my home. No piece of furniture, accessory, or wall is safe.
I once made our living room the dining room just because I felt like it. It was totally weird, but I loved it - which brings me to my main point...
I saw this quote by art show producer Ezra Croft: "People need art in their houses. They don't need Beth Bath & Beyond dentist-office art. They need weird stuff."
Clap your hands, people, and shout, "hallelujah!" Not that I have anything against Bed Bath & Beyond, and I don't have a gallery-worthy collection of original art either - far from it, actually. But I adore originality, and I am a huge fan of weird. I believe what Ezra is genuinely saying is BE YOU in your home and forget about the perceived rules - which comes naturally to me anyway. My lifelong loose interpretation of the word "rules" has been my best design ally. (Not so much in other areas of my life, but that's a blog for another day.)
People often ask me to help them redecorate their homes using what they already have, and this is a passion of mine. But so often – in fact, almost every time – I hear objections or questions about whether or not something that they'd like to use "goes" or is "in style." My response is always a simple question: "Do you love it?" Because if you love it, we'll make it work!
Sure, some scale and placement guidelines should be followed if you want your rooms to flow like butter and fill up your senses like a John Mayer song. (Did you know that people "read" spaces like a book – left to right?) But as for the actual objects, colors, style, what goes with what, etc. – I encourage you to BE FREE and express your beautiful self without fear of judgment or failure. Remember – this is YOUR home, and the things that have meaning for you, or that your God-given originality draws you toward, aren't wrong despite what's trending on any given platform for the next hot minute.
For example, I have tried. Oh, how I've tried! But I can't get on the white subway tile train, or the all-white design trend. I just can't. But, a disclaimer: You who embrace and love the subdued palettes and super clean looks in your home - I appreciate your style, and I think what you're doing is truly stunning! I love looking at those designs; it's just that I was born addicted to color.
From my earliest memories, I have been drawn to all things deep blue. Orange has always made me happy. And red, yellow, and green are life-giving. Surrounding myself with color is my adult version of opening a new box of crayons - it sparks my imagination and makes my senses sing! My song may sound clunky and off-key to others, but I belt it out without apology because I adore color. And you'll find some bright, bold version of it in almost every corner of my home.
So I do what I love, and it only takes the potential for a fabulous "after" photo to bring on that motivation. And if you're little tired of the "before" in your home right now, maybe it's time for a change in scenery - a staycation renovation - something fun, bold, or different. It doesn't have to cost money. In fact, sometimes those free transformations are the most satisfying!
Got some treasures in your attic from Grandma's house? Drag them out and display them - that stuff is gold and holds memories and stories you could never buy at a store. See what your furniture would look like in a whole new configuration. (Don't be afraid to take pieces from other rooms and mix them up.) Just try. If you hate it, put it back! Leftover paint? Slap it on a wall in a different room for a fresh, new look.
But whatever you do - make it uniquely you and don't worry about anyone else's opinion. This is your story, so fill your space with what you love. Surround yourself with treasures that connect you to your past, bring joy in your present, and inspire you for the future.
Nest with abandon, people! Because a home that reflects your heart and soul is always a beautiful thing.