curating your living space
Don’t just buy a piece of furniture because it checks off that item on your list, but wait to find pieces that you actually love. This does not mean spending a fortune, but to practice patience and intentional shopping.
The space you create for yourself is a reflection of you, and you are a reflection of your space. This is why it is valuable to choose each item in your home carefully to reflect the best version of you.
You do not need to be a design expert to know what you like, but it can be overwhelming to know where to start. This quick exercise will help you figure out what you should shop for by giving you three helpful tools:
A visual guide to your interior design style
A shopping list for your home
A personal buying guide for lower stress shopping
I found many of my favorite things I own in this book.
1. make a style vision board
This is easier than it sounds. Just go to Pinterest and login, or create an account.
Search “interior design” and find a photo you like. Pin this photo to a new board, this board is your place to keep photos of furniture and spaces that you like so you can see your style.
Do a quick build out of your vision board using the prompts below or anything else you are interested in. Save anything you love to your Pinterest board. Here are some prompts to get you started on your search. You do not need to align with any of these categories, this exercise is to see what’s out there so you can find what you like and dislike:
minimalist interior design
maximalist interior design
midcentury modern
rustic home
scandinavian style decor
japanese interior design
california casual interior
french rustic interior
mediterranean interior design
spanish interior design
traditional living room
modern living room
1950s kitchen
modern kitchen
80s style furniture
funky furniture
2. make a shopping list
Refer to your new pinterest board. Assess everything that is in your apartment now, and decide if it fits with your style. For every item that does not align with what you like, add it to your shopping list. Keep what you have for now, but keep an eye out for one you love to replace it.
This is also a good time to look around your apartment and assess what is missing that could improve the functionality of your space, such as a bed frame or a full length mirror.
3. make your buying guide
Refer to your shopping list and decide which items are the highest priority. I find it best to prioritize by what will most improve the functionality of your space. The highest priority items are the ones you should start looking for now.
If you are unsure about a purchase, ask yourself:
Will I keep this long-term?
Does this fit with the style I want?
Is this on my shopping list?
Will this improve the functionality of my home?
Is there a spot for this in my home?
If the answer is “yes” to the majority of these questions, then it is likely going to improve your home.
Designing your home is not something that needs to be rushed or finished all at once. The most meaningful spaces are built slowly, one thoughtful decision at a time.
Pictured: Odie from the Denver Animal Shelter and kitchen island from my dear friend’s grandmother.
You do not need to fill every corner immediately. Let your space evolve as you learn what you truly enjoy living with. Over time, the right pieces will find their way in, and your home will begin to feel more like you.
w/ Love,
Saari
