Out with the New, In with the Old

I walked into the house and it felt off, sterile, in fact. The furniture was modern, cold and not functional. There was sit-around decor in all the right places, but it looked like it had been purchased from a display shelf at a store. No personality. No art or photographs. White walls and white furniture. I thought I was walking into someone’s home, but it turns out it was just a house. 

Anyone can use design principles and make a space that looks appealing or even worthy of magazine, but what makes a home feel like a home? People and the things that tell their stories. There are some homes you walk in and instantly feel at peace and want to linger in good conversations over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. This is what we call a “lived-in home.” You might be thinking, aren’t all homes lived in? Well, yes and no. There’s a difference between existing in a space and truly living in a space. 

A truly lived in space leaves evidence of those who call it home. It’s not a perfectly clean house or a house with all matching furniture and textiles. These things can actually make a home feel off and uninviting. 

From the moment I stepped into this home years ago, I began to develop my design philosophy that the best and most beautiful homes are created over time. 

When moving into a new space, I know we all feel the need to make it look finished as quickly as possible, but this can often lead to purchases or design choices that we regret later. There are definitely some things you can select ahead of time and certain things you can do to make a home look more collected, but a true haven will take time to create. There are no shortcuts, and that’s not something we want to hear in the fast-paced world to which we’ve become accustomed. 

When I set out to design a home, I first take note of what my client has displayed in their home. I pay attention to what they say is important to them and try to get a feel for the personality of their family (every family has a personality). This will solely dictate the direction of the design. From there, everything I curate and select is funneled through the tenet of maintaining the personality of the family because your home should reflect who you are and what you love. 

The next thing I endeavor to implement is some type of antique furniture or artwork to give an old-world and lived-in feel. Now, we don't want it to feel out-dated and like grandma's house, but we do want to add character. Weaving in story to a home is one of the best ways to give it character. If antiques aren’t your vibe, then natural wood elements are a good option to add layers and warmth to your space. The goal is to create a cozy space, inviting others to linger.

Lastly, less is not always more. This is another reason why some homes feel sterile and life-less. While I’m all for minimizing clutter, one shouldn’t eliminate all signs of life because that’s where the beauty lies - in the living. Don't be afraid to layer objects and textiles.

The best designs take time, so ease into your home design. Carefully curate things you love over time. Don’t feel pressure to fabricate the perfect, finished space. Making a house into a home doesn’t happen overnight, so enjoy the process. And, if you need someone to partner with you on the process, I would love that honor.