When is it Okay to Change Your Mind & Redecorate?

The desire to want something fresh & new in your home is completely normal. Maybe you love swapping out seasonal decor. Maybe you’ve been nursing a 2-year itch to update the look & feel. Or, maybe the urge for change is rooted in the fact that your family uses your home differently now, you’re recent empty nesters, or your little kids are growing up. (I can finally have nice things? Yes, please!)

Whatever the reason, if you’re feeling the desire to redecorate your home, there are a number of ways — large and small — that you can approach it. Keep reading to uncover which changes you need to make, tips for finding the right inspiration, & suggestions for strategically setting up your home up now to make future changes even easier.

Step 1. Consider the Exact Changes You Want

So, you’re feeling ready for a change. Before you jump right in and begin adding everything to your cart, it’s wise to take a step back & consider what’s at the root of your discontent. In general, frustrations usually fall into one of three categories:

Function: If you have kids, you probably know that as they grow, the way you use your home evolves. I have first hand experience with this – I’ve updated my home’s flex space several times over the last decade to meet my family’s needs. Whether you now need a room for your teens to hang with their friends (my current flex space iteration) or a workout space for your Peloton, increasing functionality is a great reason for a refresh.

Comfort: Specifically, which items in your space are uncomfortable? If you replaced them with higher quality, exceptionally comfortable pieces in a similar aesthetic, would you be satisfied? Consider exactly what type of furniture would check the boxes you’re looking for.

Aesthetic: If you’re unhappy with the look of your space, think about what you’re drawn to now. Will this new style coordinate with any neutral base pieces that you already have, or will you need a total overhaul? Your answer to that question will determine what size investment will be required — a total overhaul will, of course, require more.

Step 2. Get Inspired… the Right Way

Inspiration is an important part of the process, but it’s easy to 1) be led astray by dated “trends,” 2) become overwhelmed by the sheer number of options out there, & 3) feel tempted to replicate what you see. Here’s what you need to know:

Be Wary of HGTV: If you’re a fan of HGTV, you should know that, while definitely entertaining, your favorite shows are actually not the best source for inspiration. The shows you see were filmed 1-2 years prior, meaning that its “trendy” designs are likely already out of style. Misleading, right? Plus, it’s interior design that’s packaged for the masses, making it impersonal, overdone & sure to make you yawn in no time. Be wary.

Where to Find Timeless Style: So, what’s the answer? How can you choose a style that you’ll love? The answer, my friend, is YOU. When you incorporate what you love – your art, your photos, your favorite colors – you’re creating the ultimate in timeless design in your home. Rather than being depersonalized & bland, your home becomes an expression of you. & that’s always in style.

How to Explore Your Preferences: Can’t pinpoint exactly what you love just yet? A little exploration is just what the designer ordered. Create a Pinterest board, cut out magazine pages, or create a document for “rooms that feel good,” and start adding images that you love. When you look at all of your collected images, you’ll notice common themes. Those are the specific elements that speak to you – consider adding them to your redecorating design. (But never copy!)

Step 3. Plan Ahead for Next Time!

Even if you update your home now, chances are, your interests & preferences will change in another 2, 5, or 10 years — & that’s okay. The good news is, you can strategically set up your home to be ready for future changes so that it won’t need a total overhaul again. (We always consider this when designing for clients!)

Opt for a neutral sofa. This is a big ticket item, & you won’t want to shop for one whenever you feel the itch to redecorate. And remember, neutral doesn’t automatically mean beige! Navy, charcoal, and even the right color can feel neutral in a given room. 

Choose wood pieces carefully. Your wood furniture doesn’t need to be super matchy-matchy, but each piece should have the same undertone for continuity. Think various shades, like a medium brown wood with a lighter wood. This will allow you to reuse & reupholster easily down the road.

Limit black & gray. I’m not one to shy away from going all in with a bold tone, but if you think you’ll redecorate again in the future, using sparing amounts of gray and black will only help your cause.

Invest in the basics. Your basic pieces are the ones that will continue to be your foundation for future changes, so it makes sense that they should be purchased with longevity & quality in mind. Keep in mind, these won’t be “statement maker” pieces – you want them to be able to complement anything new so that swapping other items out for a new style will be a breeze. (More on investing vs. saving here.)

Final Tip: When One Thing Comes In, Another Goes Out

One final tip? Redecorating requires getting rid of items. I know it’s hard, but it has to be done. The best thing you can do is follow Marie Kondo’s advice (ask yourself “does it spark joy?”), especially if you’re getting rid of something that you invested a lot in but don’t love anymore. 

Alternatively, ask yourself, “Would I buy this again today?” If the answer is no, let it go! Thank those items for their service in bringing you joy for a season, & then set them free.

Lastly, when you’re ready to invest in those new foundational pieces that will anchor your space’s design long-term, working with a designer is your best bet to get high quality pieces built to last. We’d love to guide you through the process & make the perfect selections for your desired look, feel, and lifestyle.

Reach out to us here, & let’s start the conversation. 

Xo,
Shawna