3 top tips to create your own chic décor

Lovely readers of my Facebook page, Gretchen and Gemma recently asked if I’d share my décor tips.  I had a think about them, and here they are; I hope you enjoy!

Ask yourself what the vision for your home is

The wonderful Peter Walsh has a question for his clients that I’ve heard him use over and over in his books and audiobooks, and that is ‘what is your vision for this room?’  It really helps to articulate that, and also note down the feelings you want to get from a room.

For the master bedroom my answers would be something like:

Soft textures, serene, boudoir, luxurious, hotel-like, clean and clear (clutter-free), relaxing, soothing, etc

This probably goes for the whole of my house actually, so I choose warm neutral tones to feel soothed and calm, I declutter and tidy on a regular basis so it feels organised and peaceful.

If you tear out magazine pages (or pin on your Pinterest board) bright coloured rooms with a statement neon sign, my style is going to sound so boring to you, but for me I couldn’t do with all that stimulation.  The thoughts in my head which never stop are quite stimulating enough, thank you!  So I choose a tranquil colour palette at home.

Go looking for your style

If you have magazines you can tear pages out of (not library magazines for example), tear out pictures you immediately warm to, even if you think they aren’t your style (‘too modern’, say).  Let them pile up a little, and one day go through them.  You might find certain colours or styles coming through.

When I did this I found I was drawn to warm neutral tones, with smokey glass, deep ochre and gold or bronze metals.  It was quite illuminating and helped me realise why the few shabby chic pieces I had in my home never felt right.  Integrating these elements into my home bit by bit really zazzed up the neutral décor; there wasn’t much cost involved either – a Salvation Army lamp, candle holders, cushion covers, a gold tray on our coffee table and different runners or cloths to dress the tables made from fabric remnants.

Update – don’t stay stuck

One very good reason why I like to keep a streamlined home with not too many possessions, is I can then update my décor on a semi-regular basis without feeling like I’m wasting money.  One lady I know of, has a highly decorated home with a lot going on in each room.  She told me she’d love to declutter for a more modern look, but she’s afraid to let go of the stuff ‘because it all cost so much’.  If you have collections and lots of things and enjoy them, that’s fantastic, but if they are weighing you down, that doesn’t sound like much fun!

It’s the same with clothes for me too.  I like to have just enough, because then I’m happy to update seasonally when required because I’ve worn a few things out.  It’s a far nicer feeling to shop when you need something than if you’re bored and know it won’t even fit into your overstuffed closet.  And having the opportunity to replenish your wardrobe on an as-needed basis means you are always tweaking your look and remaining current.

I love the saying ‘the way you do something is the way you do everything’, so issues you have with your closet (or eating, or money) are likely the exact same issues you have with your home possessions/decluttering, just showing up in a slightly different way.  It’s strange but true!

I know with large items such as sofas, dining suites, you’re likely to have them a long time; I think I’m more talking about smaller items – it’s nice to refresh your overall look.

If you wanted to describe your ideal décor look (and feel) in ten words or less, what would those words be?  Don’t think about them too much, just write down the first words that come to mind (please share in the comments!)

I’ve written a couple of other décor posts too, here and here, if you’re interested.