I've always considered myself a "non-decorator." I am more of a function over form person and happy to be so (or so I thought.) Please don't get me wrong, I like decorated homes, especially when people let their personality show through, I just have never put that much effort into it myself. I don't really have a personal style...I guess you could call it eclectic. Or is "eclectic" a term used as an excuse by those of us who cannot commit to a style? I'll let the designers decide that one. Please do chime in. You are far more qualified than I.
I have always had a shoestring budget for decorating. Well, not just a shoestring, but an old, worn out, almost ready to break shoestring. To give you a little idea of my non-decorating skills...
• I have never purchased a piece of furniture new from a store.
• My "china cabinet" consists of 2 converted gun rack cabinets placed side by side. I didn't put the shelves in them, I found them that way and they fit in my home.
• To quote one of my all time favorite movie lines (from Bedknobs & Broomsticks,) "We ain't exactly burdened down with frillies."
• If a vase isn't ready to have water and some flowers plunked into it, then I do not want it in my house.
• I look at "stuff/knick knacks" as just more things to dust.
Now I do have actual china in my "china cabinet." My father gave me a set and I use it for my everyday dishes. Yes, we are careful. I figure what is the use of having it if I'm only going to use it twice a year. Besides, I like eating off of it and it turns out china is easier to wash than other types of dishes. Go figure.
My family and I live in a small house, only 900 square feet, 2 bedrooms, and 1 bath for the three of us. We actually like it that way...it cuts down on the "stuff." Space is at a premium and everything needs to have a place and multiple uses in a small home. We did paint every room when we moved in. I have an aversion to white walls and need a little color.
Last night I finally put our new rug and kitchen table in place. Now the rug was only replaced because it was worn. The table was replaced because it was too wobbly. I found a new one for $20 at a garage sale in beautiful shape. $20 is my magic price limit for furniture. Ours is a 12 x 12 eat in kitchen that opens up onto our 12 x 12 living room. Interestingly, I was worried that the new table might make the kitchen feel too cramped. It is 4 inches wider than the old one and about 3 inches shorter. Much to my surprise, once installed, it entirely opened up both rooms. The new table is an oval, where the old one was a rectangle. What a difference! Oops...did I just decorate? OK, maybe that is more staging than decorating, but either way it felt good.
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