on making a (mindful) home.

I’m a bit of a decorating obsessive. I’m constantly tweaking things in our house, switching things up, thinking about what I want to do next. I also tend to overload on “inspiration” -- the blogs, the shelter mags, the giant folder of tear sheets I’ve collected over the years (I told you obsessive)... But amidst all the ruminating over décor, I also try to be really mindful about what I bring into our home, as I want the things that surround us to stand the test of time and reflect who we are as a family, what we value. To that end, I’ve sort of created a few “guiding principles” for myself when it comes to decorating. They’re nothing revolutionary, but they help keep my aesthetic focused and have thwarted many an (unwise) impulse purchase, so I thought they might be worth sharing…

 image credit | joslyn of simple lovely

1. Be Focused – Anytime I set-out to buy something for my home, I keep William Morris’ wise words front and center: ““Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful”. It’s just an immensely simple way to avoid the temptation to acquire something just as a bit of retail therapy (which happens far more than I’d like to admit).

2. Be Patient – When I rush to finish a space, I inevitably end up making a mistakes… No matter how hard it is (and for me it’s really hard), it always more than pays off when I let a room evolve over time. Similarly, I have never regretted saving up for the “forever” item over the IKEA or Target impulse buy.

3. Bring in Nature – I’m a huge fan of all manner of rocks, fossils, wood, clippings from my yard…it’s my “thing”, but I think any room, even a colorful, pop-art inspired space looks warmer and more interesting when you include some sort of natural element.

4. Buy (or Make) Art – For me, art in our home is hugely important. It doesn’t have to be expensive or precious (my most treasured pieces are things my husband, girls or friends have made or I’ve found at garage sales, thrift-stores, etc…), but I think it’s essential for making a home feel truly special.

5. Acquire Things with “Soul” – I have plenty of mass-produced stuff in my house (let’s just say I work across the street from IKEA, it’s a bad scene), but somehow that white fiberboard shelving unit looks completely different filled with handmade wooden bowls, little drawings and my daughter’s heart shaped rock collection…

xo.
joslyn of simple lovely