How to make the things you love work in your home

 

If your anything like me you may have some cute little decor pieces that you have no idea what to do with. You’re trying to keep your decor cohesive and similar, and then there is that odd piece that does not work at all. Maybe it does not match your style, maybe it’s the wrong color-In any case every one has stuff they love, but does not fit with the rest of the decor.
I have few things like that. One reason is that I love everything! I have a very eclectic taste and trying to make everything work together is difficult.

Here are Two examples for making your decor work:

1. Love what you have

For years I have been packing around a very old chair and painting, passed onto me from my mother, passed onto her from her mother, etc. I love these 2 pieces. They mean a great deal to me, yet they have been sitting in boxes since I got them.  My style leans toward farm house, mid century, Scandinavian and modern. But these 2 pieces are antiques and very traditional looking. The color of both pieces are dark green- not my ideal color. I have considered reupholstering the chair with something more modern, but then I don’t feel like its the same chair. Do I get rid of them? Do I hide them in a corner no one will see, do I keep them boxed up? Instead of doing any of these I decided to embrace the difference and MAKE IT WORK.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Color: Use similar colors to tie in the awkward pieces

When I was looking to purchase a comforter for my Master bedroom I had a particular feel in mind. I needed it to be peaceful and modern feeling. I found this beautiful comforter set from wayfair.ca (or wayfair.com) that worked with my color palette for my house (check out how to pick your perfect colors for your home)

But even better it tied in the colors from the chair and painting. While the pieces are antiques the bedding keeps with the modern feel I have throughout the rest of my house.

I also used additional pops of green that is found it the antiques in other places in the room, allowing the green to blend in rather than awkwardly stand out.

 

Multiples: Use more than one of that awkward style so that it feels intentional

It was helpful that the chair and the painting worked in the same room. I also used a few smaller items that were antiques to help make those gems fit into my room and blended it with the other styles I had in the room.

Shape: Repeat patterns and shapes

If the awkward piece has a unique shape or pattern to them then repeating a similar shape in other places in the room will also help tie it in. That does not mean it has to be exactly the same. For example: I have triangular lights in my kitchen and I have repeated that in my living room pillows, wall shelves and planter.

I have also repeated the modern white frame I used on my gallery wall, into the space that the chair and painting are.  Allowing my style to be repeated with the antiques.

2. Have what you love

A similar problem of having items that do not work in your home, is being out at the store or flea market and falling in love with a really cool piece.  Then you get it home and realize it does not work at all.  I was at a local swap and found a really cool bird statue. I grabbed it before I had really thought about it.  Once I got it home I realized how silly it was to have snagged it, as it was the wrong color and had painted details that I didn’t like.  But overall I still loved that little bird.  The solution: MAKE IT WORK

A bit of spray paint goes a long way.

Spray paint is one of my best friends. I was able to change the red bird into a lovely blue bird that worked for my space.  Whenever I find something I love but the color or metal does not work, I grab my trusty can of paint.

 

Make room

Sometime you get your treasure home and you are not sure where to put it.  A bit of shuffling may be in order. Or some compromises with other decor may be necessary to find a spot for it.  Don’t be afraid to readjust your plans for something that will help bring a smile to your face.

 

Love what you have and have what you love

You are making the house you live in yours.  There is little point to make your house look like a magazine cover if you don’t have a connection to the pieces that make up the whole.  It’s important to create a place where you feel at home, comfortable and cozy.  Using decor that is sentimental or makes you smile when you see it, makes your home YOU.  And that is how to be happy in your home. (well, one of the ways)

 

 

If you have pieces that you love and want to share, please show me in the comments.  I would love to hear from you.