Why I care about Home Decor

I've been thinking about this post a lot lately.  Why should I care about decorating my home when my home happens to be a temporary apartment.  An apartment that seems to be shrinking all the time, by the way.  I know there are apartment dwellers and home owners that could care less about home decor, but I'm willing to bet that I'm not the only one who inwardly weeps over Better Homes and Gardens and Pottery Barn magazines and dreams about the "somedays" when my home will be as gorgeous as the ones on the pages.  I've come up with a list of reasons that have kept me motivated to work with what I have now and to be excited about home decor despite my lack of space/funds.


1. Life is short.

Why should I wait to do something I'm passionate about when I can start now?  I love to look on Pinterest and follow my favorite bloggers for inspiration on home decorating and DIY projects.  I love to think up new ideas for making my home better.  I live for that feeling when I walk into a room and see new curtains, or a new shelf, or some small new addition to my home and think "Man, I'm good." :)

2. I'm discovering my personal taste and style.

Just because I can't buy everything I want right now, doesn't mean I can't make a list of what to get later on.  One of the best blog posts I ever read was at Fieldstone Hill Design.  It talks about going through all your favorite home decor pins on Pinterest and writing down what you find in common.  Look for color schemes that you are consistently attracted to, patterns that you love, furniture or items that seem to pop up again and again.  For example, I'm obsessed with wood crates, wicker baskets, and simple glass bottles.  Also, pay attention to the words bloggers use to describe the decor that you love.  My pins usually fit under the categories "vintage", "rustic", "classic", and "country".  Making a list of what you like will help guide you when you decide what to buy for your home/apartment so that you don't waste your money on things that you don't really love.

3. Shabby Chic is in.

Have you noticed that decor that looks old, worn, and used is what's popular right now?  I personally love that shabby chic look of old worn wood and rusty vintage signs.  The best part?  You can find these kinds of treasures everywhere and sometimes for CHEAP!  Craigslist, Goodwill, the D.I... these are all great places to look.  Garage sales are gold mines if you are consistent and look hard enough!  Sometimes something just needs a coat of paint to become something fabulous.  See things for what they could be!  If you're extremely right brained like I am, the words "use your imagination" will be music to your ears.  Let your inner artist guide you. 

Decorating my home makes me happy and I believe everyone should pursue what makes them happy.  I'm definitely not at the time in my life right now where I can go out and buy everything I want (I don't know if I'll ever be), but I can piece together my perfect home one treasure or project at a time and I think that's kind of special.  If I had the money to just go to Pier 1 or Pottery Barn or World Market (ahhh heaven!) and buy everything that caught my eye all at once, then I don't think what I found would mean near as much to me as the things I pinched and saved for or the things I worked tirelessly on for weeks (sometimes taking apart and redoing until it was perfect).  Be inspired and be motivated!  Your home is your canvas.   Go create something beautiful!



1 comment

  1. So adorable thoughts Emmie. You are absolutely right, almost all of us love to have a gorgeous home whether it is rented or of our own. An well decorated home can be the source of our energy, great feelings and can gift a peaceful mind and even helps us to start each day with new vigorous. Just went through your awesome home thoughts and caring concern. I appreciate it so much.' Now, for the Toronto home lovers hardware store in Toronto can be reliable source for all kinds of home needs.

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