Ask yourself this...

Most of us have scrolled our favorite Instagram accounts, browsed through numerous pictures on Pinterest, and been inspired by all the homes on HGTV.  While these should serve as inspiration or a jumping off point, many of us feel that's what a "nice home" looks like.  Let me let you in on a little secret: it's not as real as it seems.  Most of the homes are professionally staged and after the camera cuts off those homes are removed off all traces of the décor you loved. What was achieved in 30 minutes to an hour, actually took months. Just like Instagram models, home décor accounts have perfected showing off just the right angles.  I'm saying all of this to say no home is perfect.  We should all make the most out of what we have and bring love into our spaces because a home has to be more than a pretty picture.  It has to be lived in, it should be welcoming.  I'm just someone who loves creating purposeful and intentional spaces in my home, without the help of a professional.  I like to think of myself as most of you, who may not have the budget to hire someone to come in and design a beautifully manicured home.  To be honest, I wouldn't want that.  I want my home to reflect the people who live in it.

Today, I want to share my 5 tips to creating purpose and continuity in your home.  With these tips, you will have all the tools you need to design and decorate a space you love. I will pose these tips in the form of questions you should ask yourself when decorating.

1. Is it you?

Your home should reflect you as well as the people who live in it.  If you don't care about designer labels, glitter, rhinestones, excess, opulence, and consider yourself pretty simple,  glam décor is probably not for you. I made that mistake in my family room, hence I'm in the process of changing it.  
Stop going for what's just pretty or looks nice. Dive a bit deeper.
Your home is an extension of you and your family.

2. What do I want to convey/How do I want people to feel?

 What does your home say about you?  There are so many "rules" but I feel in your home, it should be about you, the people who live in it, and the guests you invite.   No matter your style YOU and anyone who lives or steps in your home should feel, cozy, welcomed, comfortable, and able to be themselves.  No one wants to walk in a home and feel they can't sit on the furniture or touch anything.

3. Is it practical?

Think about your family and day to day needs.  Do you have pets, children, a messy husband?  Pick items that work for the season you're in.  Mirrored furniture looks beautiful but with 3 young children, and not enough money to hire a maid, it would not work for us in this season of life.



4. Is it functional?

Go for something that looks nice but serves a purpose.  Wall hooks in entryways serves as a handy spot for bookbags, purses and jackets.  A bench that functions as a place to put on shoes.  A dining table that is durable that can also serve as homework space or a craft table.

5. Is it transitional?

Just like the seasons, we change.  Our needs change.  Make sure to pick pieces that serve dual purpose so that it can always be changed or altered to fit your needs. Ask yourself can this take me from Winter to Spring?  It will save you money in the long run.

I promise if you just ask yourself these 5 questions in each space of your home you will have a place filled with continuity because it's reflective of YOU.
You don't have to have a degree in Interior design.  You may just be someone like me who has a love for creating spaces, altering moods in a positive way, and being purposeful and intentional in all you do.  I hope you find this helpful.