Say what?

Let’s start off by relaying to you dearest reader, that I absolutely do not have a PhD in interior design. I am a master scroller on Pinterest. Daydreaming, learning, and saving different themes/decor that I like. Special shout out to everyone with a PhD, whether in interior design or not. I admire you!

(All Links are posted at the bottom)

The year is 2019, I had NO CLUE about anything involving interior design. My apartment looked sad, barren, and had absolutely no personality. I didn’t know nor care at the time. I had 3 jobs, I was busy.

If I was at a store and I liked a decoration, (shout out to the marble blue fish that lives in storage because it does not work in ANY room, ha), I would buy decor, just because I liked it. I’m cringing just thinking about it.. TJMaxx and Hobby Lobby were my go to’s and I truly had no clue what I was doing. Theme? haha, NOPE! Color scheme? Forget it. I was a collector of things I liked. There was no method to the madness.

Fast forward to 2023, we have a color scheme and tone, specific pieces that not only enhance the room, but they all have their own story and purpose. THIS is what I love about interior design. You can develop a space that feels like you. Sort of like clothing. You wear what you feel best in. Interior design is very similar.

It seems so complicated and overwhelming at first but keep reading these newsletters and you will get your PhD too, kidding, but you will be able to stage your house or apartment in a way that speaks to YOU.

For instance…. Our room has an excellent mattress that we look forward to laying in every night. All the pieces are different, and we refurbished them. They work in such harmony together, making our room feel upscale, safe, and a room we love to be in.

We picked colors that spoke to us and our theme. We chose hardware that I still love to look at and use, I open them every day. The way the handles feel when I open the drawers is a small but important detail.. This is why it’s so important, you will notice them.

I added two wooden boxes that are intricately engraved, still obsessed with them btw. I placed a few mirrors around the room that create a very romantic and sensual feeling. When we decide to lay together those mirrors add something sensual. If you have a partner, get some mirrors for those intimate moments. Mirrors are romantic in a bedroom. I remember my husband commented on them right away the first time. “Wow, I love where the mirrors are.” Haha, yes, that was the intention.

M a t e r i a l

This one is basic and so important! If you have a wall or some shelves that you want to work on, make sure there are multiple textures involved. I am talking about incorporating glass, wood, metal, maybe a candle or cloth. Don’t go too crazy, simple is always more elegant, but it’s important that there is variance in the material you are displaying.

R E S E A R C H

Finding you niche. Yes, if you don’t already have one, create that Pinterest account sister and start looking up different interior design styles. This will help so you can know the right language to use for any online or in-store shopping. There are SO many styles and I swear each style has it’s own niche and subcategory. Farmhouse? There are so many different styles of Farmhouse. So again, do some research and find your niche.

C o l o u r P a l e t t e

I find this rule the most challenging and fun because this will create one of the main “vibes” inside your home. This will be the vibe of your home! Don’t overwhelm yourself, pick 3-4, and choose the tone. Warm, cool, neutral. You can have a bold accent color or maybe you want a blend of neutrals… Once you have those picked out shopping becomes much easier. You will know what to look for when you’re out so that you don’t end up with a bunch of random items that don’t go together. Whatever your color, theme, and textures are, choose what makes YOU happy. If you have a partner, discuss and compromise. I make sure that I am mindful of incorporating the masculinity that he likes, sharper corners, lower seating, etc.

Always always always check any paint swatches/samples inside your home. The lighting can drastically change the color. Personally, I like neutral/warm walls- white, off white, light tans and beiges, then I add decor and art to the wall space. Neutrals look clean and elegant, and they dress up nicely with many options of decor.

T e x t u r e s

What about Texture? When I say texture, I am talking about the stone, wood, and other natural elements that will be in your home. Choose the wood you like, the grain and stain. Make sure that it complements the other elements in your home like the granite/stone/quartz/laminate counters you might pick out, cupboards, and so on. It should all flow with a few statement pieces in each room. Do you want to incorporate leather? Leather seats make a beautiful statement piece. Maybe you like the wool look. It’s up to you!

H a r d w a r e

There are a lot of options so pick your fave. You have brushed nickel, black, gold, brass, so on and so forth.

R e f u r b i s h

New isn’t always better. Check out goodwill, or whatever secondhand store you have near you. Some of my favorite pieces of furniture we own are from Goodwill. My husband and I refurbished them to our liking which makes them feel like our own sort of creation we built together.

M a s t e r B e d r o o m F u r n i t u r e

YOUR BEDROOM SETS DO NOT HAVE TO MATCH, this is 2023. This is one that gets to me. Matching bedroom sets is like choosing the same flavor of ice cream. Except you have to look at it every. single. day. Choose unique, different pieces that you LOVE.

If you don’t absolutely love it, don’t buy it.

Your room is your safe space, your sanctuary. This is the room you spend the most time in. You sleep in it, have intimacy in it. Put this room at the top of your list of priorities when starting your interior design work.

P i n t e r e s t B o a r d C o l l e c t i o n

Save anything and everything you like, make sure to add it to a board and organize it. I organize mine by theme, then by room. There is nothing like going back through your boards and saying, “Wow! What was I thinking??? Those drapes are awful.” or, “Oh yeah! I love that idea; I am going to add some paneling to the wall.”

Now….

What stores do I recommend for decor and furniture?

#1 Target - Grab your credit card and get in your car, ha. Target is always updating, and they have a lot of beautiful pieces that are going to keep you out of the realm of “cheesy”. Please don’t do a beach theme, especially in the bathroom. If you have to, be very cautious to make it chique. It’s possible, just refer to Pinerest.

I’m absolutely OBBSESSED with the Casaluna Brand. You cannot go wrong with their heavy weight duvet cover. Stains come out so easily, it is high quality, comfortable, and it ZIPS. Yep, no ties to close up that cover. It is truly my favorite duvet cover I have owned, and I have owned many. RUN! Go get it!

#2 TJMaxx - it’s hit or miss but they have a lot of options. I don’t like to buy their furniture though because it can be pricey in my opinion. Be mindful, they have good prices because sometimes the retail store didn’t sell the item and there is a reason. Cheaply made, faulty zipper, ugly style, doesn’t function well, etc.

#3 Furniture Row - At Furniture Row you have SO many options. Be sure to check their clearance section, you might just find that perfect piece for a good price.

#4 Consignment Stores - they have unique pieces that have been refurbished. Love finding one-of-a-kind piece at these stores.

#5 Goodwill! - I love goodwill, I like to walk through and see if I can find any “treasure” just like the saying, “one man’s trash, another’s treasure.”

L I G H T I N G

This is one of my favorites. The room instantly transforms when you add lighting. There are SO many options to elevate and enhance the room easily by just adding the right light fixture. Lamps? Yes. Chandeliers? Even better, as long as they coincide with your theme. Lights open up the room! They are the “icing on the cake.”. Trust the process! There is nothing like a cold winter night cozied up in a warm dimly lit room. Which brings me to fireplaces. You can easily DIY your fireplace or update your current one. I’ll post a diy link below.

L a u n d r y R o o m

If you find yourself constantly completing the dreaded chore of laundry, make that space one of your favorites. The. Laundry. Is. Never. Done. This is why for my laundry room, ample space is a must, a GOOD washer and dryer, cabinets to organize supplies, and a large counter to fold laundry. One day we will invest in the wall laundry jet shoot. Ever seen those? They look absolutely amazing. If you are building, think about it! I have seen a laundry room with speakers, a tv, you name it. But like come on, the laundry is so much easier to fold while bingeing a tv show.

At my funeral I want a banner that says, “The Laundry is finally done.” Ha!

Rule #11 and perhaps the most important…

E m b r a c e M i n i m a l i s m

Call me a creep, but I am ALWAYS on the lookout when I see someone’s home or their garage. Not to judge them, but to see the state other homes are in. Sort of like people watching at the airport. LOL! Let me tell you, humans collect so many unnecessary items.

I highly recommend to everyone to get rid of 90% of your belongings, betcha don’t wear those shoes that are covered in dust, sitting in the garage. Yeah, they might be cute, but I bet you stick to a few pairs of shoes for each season.

No one needs 25+ pairs of shoes, 20 purses, several wallets, 10 tweezers, etc. You just don’t.

Decluttering will change your life.

When you let go of materials, it cleanses the soul. A weight will lift off of your shoulders, your home will be easier to clean., and it will also look a lot cleaner. You will stop overstimulating your mind with objects all around. Life should be enjoyed! Home should be the space you go to relax and unwind. Holding onto material possessions weighs you down. Let those dusty shoes go sis.

If you have kids, keep the toys they love and play with. Donate the rest. Make your life easier by not having to clean up a million useless toys every day. Most children love to help with tasks around the house. They will be happy with real life experiences. Helping load dishes, (nothing sharp), folding laundry, sweeping, and more.

You can make a beautiful and relaxing home with a little time, research, and it doesn’t have to cost loads if you can be creative. DIY DIY DIY. You can do this sis!

That’s it for this letter! Be on the lookout for future newsletters like this one where we will discuss structural components inside and outside, outdoor sanctuaries, gardening, etc.

These basic rules are sure to help get you started towards interior synchronicity and harmony in your home.

DIY Fireplace wall:

https://youtube.com/shorts/pdKQeI9s4do?feature=share

Xoxo,

O