For me, spring means renewal, a sense of hope and new beginnings. I find that changing home decor regularly based on mood or season provides an ongoing creative outlet and keeps my living space inspiring and fresh. It also gives me an excuse to dive into a closet I haven't opened in a while, or scour the garage looking for stored items I'd forgotten I had. Sometimes just a trip to a local antique store, flea market or thrift store can get me thinking about what mood I'm feeling. My living space is ever evolving and changing. Always casual and lived in, I would call it an everyday home, without a particular "style." I like to mix old and new and like my socks, rarely have a matching set of anything. When I'm hunting for treasure, I subscribe to the theory that if it is "so-so" then it's "no, no" If I love it, I usually go with it. Even if I cannot find a spot for it once home, I'll store it and wait until inspiration strikes. Once it strikes, you know the saying, "No one is more determined than a woman rearranging furniture by herself."
In order to remain budget conscious while also enabling regular change, I (loosely) follow these guidelines:
- Versatile Basics: Create a foundation of versatile and neutral furniture pieces. This is where you will spend the biggest chunk of money, so versatile is key! New or thrifted, opt for sturdy and functional. This allows you to change accessories and accents more easily without having to replace major items.
- Color Palette/Texties & Fabrics: Use your neutral base to integrate your favorite color palette that can be easily swapped out. For example, opt for warm and cozy fabrics in the fall and winter, and lighter fabrics in the spring and summer. Utilize throw pillows, blankets, flowers, plants and curtains to bring in seasonal colors and patterns.
- Wall Decor: Rotate artwork or wall decor to reflect your current mood or the season. Spring and summer evoke nature inspired art while fall and winter may evoke a totally different aesthetic for you. I have a closet filled with various art pieces I like to rotate.
- Functional Furniture Pieces: Choose furniture that serves multiple functions and can adapt to different styles. For instance, I have a smaller house with limited storage. I utilize large chests and cabinets for storing blankets, artwork, wrapping paper, office supplies and pet accessories. For antique styles, look at Chairish - https://www.chairish.com/product/13660912/pine-chest-of-three-drawers
I have a few pine chests I use to the max: The first dresser is a blanket chest. It houses the junk drawer on top, wrapping paper in the middle and blankets on the bottom. The second pine chest is an antique pie shelf and the inside is modified to hold clothing. The third is newly made with an antique window as a door. All provide much needed storage yet aren't bad to look at! For the antique version, check Marketplace, online auctions or click the link above for some similar items. For new items, I've linked some similar feel items.
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- Personal Touches: Display items that are personal to you and evoke a sense of happiness or provide comfort when you scan your room. These could be seasonal and may include family heirlooms, travel mementos, photos, artwork, books, etc.
- Budget-Friendly Options: Keep an eye out for budget-friendly decor items. For me, this is what makes regular change possible! Flea Markets (Alameda Point Antiques Faire, http://alamedapointantiquesfaire.com/and the Rose Bowl https://www.visitpasadena.com/directory/rose-bowl-flea-market/ are my California favorites! Discount stores, thrift shops, and online marketplaces can be great for finding unique pieces without creating buyer's remorse.
- Sell/Donate What You No Longer Love: Tired of a piece or want to change things up more radically? Sell you items on FB Marketplace, Craigslist, a yard sale or take it to a local consignment store! Use the proceeds to dig right back into the hunt!
I think most of us can agree that personal living space should reflect one's personality and not abide by trends. What makes you feel a sense of contentment in your home tops the requirement list in my book!
What are some of the things you do to keep your living space fresh? I'd love to hear about it!
All The Best!
Maggie
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Comments
I love your sense of casual, yet classy style!
Your redesigns are lovely!