If you thrift, you already know that you can decorate your home with unique pieces, whether "as-is" or upcycled, to make the spaces truly a representation of your personal style. I think one of the highest compliments I've received is when someone says, "I knew immediately that this was your house - it is so you!"
Whether you're more Jane Austen or Bridget Jones or somewhere in between, you should always be comfortable in your surroundings. It should never feel like you're living in a set decoration or in a hodge-podge with no reflection of your personality. Before you begin, make a list of your likes and dislikes and use that list to guide you in every choice you make of any object that you're considering bringing into your home.
Just because something is "fashionable" or "new" or "chic" by someone else's standards doesn't mean it will work for you and your everyday life. Even if you work a full time job, or have children, or have your own business, or live a rural or big city life, your home -- first and foremost -- should be a sanctuary for you to rest, relax, re-energize and renew.
Now that you're aware of what your likes and dislikes are, walk around your home and look at areas where you can add the following:
1. Antiques and Vintage Items. Of course, there are antique shops, vintage shops, thrift stores, yard sales, flea markets, estate sales, FBMP and other websites, and so on but, perhaps, you've inherited items from your family, too. These items can be mixed in with your current decor to take you on the journey of transforming your home into YOUR home. And, it truly is a journey. You should never transform any space completely overnight. This will just be jarring and uncomfortable, even if you can't quite articulate what feels off in the room.
2. Lighting (includes lamps and candles). Lighting is very important yet often overlooked. That is until you walk into a room and have to flip on the overhead light to see. Isn't that a harsh jolt to the system? That's where lamps are key. I'm always on the lookout for lamps whenever I'm shopping. Don't fret if the lamp doesn't work. If you love the look and style, pick it up anyway. It is a simple fix to rewire a lamp. If you're uncomfortable tackling wiring, there are plenty of people who can help. You can even ask at your local hardware store and they probably know someone who can do it for you for nothing (or a small gift of appreciation). Just because something is broken, don't ever overlook the possibilities it still holds.
Depending on the room size, configuration, furniture, etc., the number of lamps should correspond to the areas of tasks -- reading, working, crafts, and so on. I, generally, like to make sure there is lighting in all four corners of the room. Table lamps, floor lamps and hanging lamps all work for these spaces. Decide what works for you. I also have automated bulbs in most of the lamps in the common areas. With a simple app, you can set timers for the lamps to turn off and on whenever you choose.
As for candles, I cannot say enough great things about candles. They add a warm glow and ambiance to any room. Colors and scents are personal preference and you should use what fits best for you. I keep candles in all of the bathrooms, on side tables in the living room and bedrooms, in the kitchen -- okay, I admit it -- I have candles everywhere! Just the simple act of lighting a candle can change the whole feel of a room. If you are cautious about an open flame, there are some very realistic battery candles that give you the flicker of candlelight without the actual flame.
3. Books. Even if you're not reading the books, they make a beautiful display when mixed in with other decor. I gravitate toward old, leatherbound books with deckled edges, discolorations, and fading gilding -- books that look like they've been read over and over again. These work well to add a pop of color to a tabletop or bookshelf. I also use them for risers to display other items on. Mixed in with plants, small, framed art, vases and other items, books truly make the vignette come together.
4. Interesting Artwork. Again, this is a personal preference. Do you gravitate toward black-&-white photos, oil paintings, art prints, mixed media, modern art or somewhere in between? Whatever your preference, keep an eye out for pieces that speak to you and add them into your decor. Don't overlook a gorgeous frame just because the artwork isn't your style. That can easily be switched out to something that compliments your aesthetic. And, don’t forget mirrors. These aren’t just for bathrooms. Using mirrors to reflect sunlight, bounce sunlight into other corners throughout the room and to reflect something beautiful from across the room.
5. Texture. Open your mind to what “texture” means to you. Is it nubby fabrics? Or maybe wicker? Embroidery, cross stitch or crewel? Ornate wooden frames? Faux animal throws? Rugs? Textiles? Velvet or burlap? Cut glass or crystal? China plates & platters? Texture can mean different things to different people. You need to decide what tactile textures speak to you and start mixing them in with your current decor.
6. Plants and Flowers. Before you say you don’t have a “green thumb” there are some plants that are practically impossible to kill. Or, if you’re like my Mother, she has a tendency to overwater, everything. I finally convinced her that, if she felt the need to water, just place one or two ice cubes on the top of the dirt and let them melt. Game Changer!!
When choosing real plants for your home, remember to look for these things: plants that grow in low or indirect light, do well with household temperatures and humidity levels and, last but definitely not least, will survive periods of neglect.
Easy to grow/hard to kill plants include: Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata), Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum), Madagascar Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata), Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica), Jade Plant (Crassula ovata), Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata), Umbrella Tree (Schefflera), Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum sp.), Purple Shamrock (Oxalis triangularis), and Philodendrons (Philodendron Sp.). This isn’t a definitive list but will give you a place to start. But, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, if you have animals in your home, do your research and stay away from any plants that are harmful to or poisonous to animals. Better safe than sorry!
Of course, if you’re wanting to mix greenery in with other décor on tabletops and bookshelves, consider faux plants. They’ve come a long way since the silk flowers and plants of the 1980s-2000s. A simple little urn with a faux boxwood might be just the touch you need to complete your look.
Flowers are not just a luxury item anymore. You can go out into your own yard and take cuttings of flowers and bring them inside. You can pop into the grocer and pick up a mixed bouquet for less than $10. Or, if you want, add faux flowers. Even better, mix your faux with real flowers for an authentic look that can be changed out as needed. Don’t overlook branches and stems. These add texture and dimension while giving that natural, outdoor feel and, again, there are some very real looking faux stems.
7. Cohesive Details. While this isn’t an actual, tangible thing it is an important element in creating a welcoming, warm home. Even though you are adding things one piece at a time, you need to keep in mind the total aesthetic you are going for and keep your colors to 2-3 complimentary hues that will flow throughout the entire house. Begin with your “background” which will be your wall color, trim color and flooring and consider using a neutral. No, neutral doesn’t always mean white or beige or grey. Any color can be a neutral if you choose the right shade that will provide a backdrop for your furniture, furnishings, artwork and décor.
For that second color, choose something that blends well with your background color without clashing. You can start layering in things with this color to add depth and dimension to the rooms. Moving on to the third color, you can go a little wild, if you choose, with this color. This will be an accent for your rooms. Remember the “Rule of Three” which tells us to group things in threes (or any odd number) which is more pleasing to the eye and creates a balanced composition to the vignette. Now, add in a few metal pieces (either brass, silver, pewter, or gold) and let that be the jewelry. This will help your eye move around the room, taking in the textures, colors and overall aesthetic that is a true reflection of your personality and style.
xo Susan
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