DÉCOR DONE RIGHT

We all dream of a clean slate when it comes to redecorating our house.  However, we know that this is unrealistic most of the time.  Whether staying put or moving to a new home, some of your current furnishings may have to work a bit longer in the interest of your budget.  Besides being costly, it is not always necessary to throw away everything and start from scratch.  Here are some smart ways to help you determine what you should keep and what you should toss.

Does It Fit the Space and the Design?

I like to evaluate my client’s furniture collection before suggesting they buy something new.  We decide if an item is right for the space in terms of shape, size, and style.  It can be difficult to let go of items that don’t work, especially if they hold significant sentimental value.  If there is something you cannot detach from emotionally, be honest about it from the beginning.  You should try to make the other selections work with it and make it seem relevant to the overall design plan.  Also, consider putting it in a different room or giving it away to someone who will value it as much as you did.

How Precious Is It? 

Be certain about how valuable an item actually is.  Don’t convince yourself to keep something because it was an expensive purchase or gift given to you years and years ago.  If it is no longer your taste, but are afraid to throw away something so valuable, spend the time to get a professional assessment.  A reputable antiques dealer can resell it for you, or do some smart research yourself.  Online dealers like eBay and Craigslist are great sources for comparing items the same as or similar to yours.  See what they are selling for and if there is any demand for it.  If the value is not what you thought it was, then it’s time to toss it and get something new.

Do You Love It? 

When you have the budget to buy new things for you home, I always say buy the things you absolutely love.  If you need to spend a lot of time pondering whether you like something or not, you probably don’t.   When sorting through things you already own, the same criterion applies.  If you love a beautiful patina on an old light fixture, keep it.  If a painting makes you smile every time you look at it, keep it.  If you hand carried an antique rug from a Parisian flea market, it has to stay!  Hold onto things you are in love with that say something about your style.  Incorporating meaningful things like these is what transforms a house into your unique home.

Can You Fix It?

Maybe a stain or paint finish on your dining set is outdated.  If you still like the style and it’s still in very good shape, consider having it refinished.  A piece can be brought back to modern life with a glossy, lacquered finish or a new matte paint color.  When chair and table legs start to wobble after they’ve been fixed a few times already, time to toss.  You should always turn a piece of furniture over and examine the joints before throwing it out.  Well made furniture can be restored.  Inexpensive furniture shows wear and tear on the face but especially in the joints, which weaken beyond repair over time.  A good carpenter will come to your house and tell you if it is worth bringing to the workroom for repair or not.

Soft, good furniture in otherwise excellent condition can be reupholstered and given new life.  With trims or embellishments, it can look brand new.  Sometimes sofa legs can be replaced, nail heads can be removed and cushions can be changed.  When you change your throw pillows, be sure to check the insert.  A polyfill insert loses shape over time while real down last for years when taken care of properly.

Before running to drop hundreds of dollars at your favorite home décor shop, do a quick designer edit: remove an old item or two, swap it for something from another room, rearrange a little more and then see what’s still missing.  By salvaging your best items and seeing them with a fresh eye, you’ll be more focused on what you’re looking for when you go shopping.  When you know it’s time for a new sofa, and you find one that’s the perfect size, shape and style in the most drop dead gorgeous fabric, you know you are not binge shopping!  By saving where you can and choosing wisely, you’ll be able to splurge on the things you absolutely love!